http://search.deviantart.com/?q=gallery:andrewryanart/26228293&section= deviantART RSS for gallery:andrewryanart/26228293 en-us Copyright 2013, deviantART.com Thu, 23 May 2013 19:26:02 PDT deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://st.deviantart.net/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Asteroid-Cruncher-371855583 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Asteroid-Cruncher-371855583 Wed, 15 May 2013 15:06:54 PDT Asteroid Cruncher nonadult digitalart/paintings/scifi AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/NSFW-comic-panel-365349444 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/NSFW-comic-panel-365349444 Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:06:38 PDT NSFW comic panel adult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2013 *AndrewRyanArt [link]

And as much as I'd like to draw mshenko porn for the rest of my life I am ready to get back to other things so next up will probably be the reverse Mass Effect/Dragon Age crossover concept I've mentioned. ]]> [link]

And as much as I'd like to draw mshenko porn for the rest of my life I am ready to get back to other things so next up will probably be the reverse Mass Effect/Dragon Age crossover concept I've mentioned.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Phantom-Jack-363341659 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Phantom-Jack-363341659 Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:02:10 PDT Phantom Jack nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2013 *AndrewRyanArt some of the background elements are also from the official ME concept art.

This happened to me by accident the second time I played ME3, waited till after the coup attempt b/c I wanted to bring Alenko along given his history as a biotic who'd also attended a school for biotic teens but alas it was too late and by that point Grissom Academy along with Jack had been taken over by Cerberus. ]]> some of the background elements are also from the official ME concept art.

This happened to me by accident the second time I played ME3, waited till after the coup attempt b/c I wanted to bring Alenko along given his history as a biotic who'd also attended a school for biotic teens but alas it was too late and by that point Grissom Academy along with Jack had been taken over by Cerberus.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Phantom-Jack-WIP-361999478 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Phantom-Jack-WIP-361999478 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:32:39 PDT Phantom Jack WIP nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Alenko-360907409 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Alenko-360907409 Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:24:14 PDT Alenko nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Space-Hamster-warning-citadel-dlc-spoiler-358811654 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Space-Hamster-warning-citadel-dlc-spoiler-358811654 Sun, 10 Mar 2013 15:56:26 PDT Space Hamster (warning citadel dlc spoiler) nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2013 *AndrewRyanArt
Spicyshimmy wrote some accompanying awesomeness:
[link]

‘When you’re cute and fluffy and never ignore me for calibrations, Garrus, then I’ll care about you that much.’

‘Hey, Shepard—I’m cute and fluffy, right?’

‘Not right now, Kaidan. I’m in the middle of some hamster relations.’

ii.

It’s kind of a weird thing, Kaidan admits, but when the Normandy lands down and they still haven’t heard from the rest of the galaxy—in the peace of the long night, under the darkest, clearest sky he’s ever seen—he sits on the edge of Shepard’s bed with his hands between his knees and watches the hamster run in circles. He checks on the water. Feeds him. Listens to him squeak and thinks about the small things, and how hamsters can’t tell anybody that you were weeping. Husk heads can’t, either.

It’s the little things.

iii.

‘Got somebody who’s been asking after you,’ Kaidan says from the doorway, holding the travel cage behind his back. ‘At least, I think that’s what he was asking. You up on your hamster these days, Shepard?’

Shepard laughs in place, in the hospital bed. Loud enough to cover the sound of the monitors bleeping.

‘Liked him so much all this time ‘cause he reminded me of myself,’ Shepard says. ‘Round and round. Never did get tired, either.’

Kaidan sets the cage down. The hamster keeps running. He kisses the one spot on Shepard’s cheek that isn’t bandaged. Somehow, the wheel’s still turning. ]]>
Spicyshimmy wrote some accompanying awesomeness:
[link]

‘When you’re cute and fluffy and never ignore me for calibrations, Garrus, then I’ll care about you that much.’

‘Hey, Shepard—I’m cute and fluffy, right?’

‘Not right now, Kaidan. I’m in the middle of some hamster relations.’

ii.

It’s kind of a weird thing, Kaidan admits, but when the Normandy lands down and they still haven’t heard from the rest of the galaxy—in the peace of the long night, under the darkest, clearest sky he’s ever seen—he sits on the edge of Shepard’s bed with his hands between his knees and watches the hamster run in circles. He checks on the water. Feeds him. Listens to him squeak and thinks about the small things, and how hamsters can’t tell anybody that you were weeping. Husk heads can’t, either.

It’s the little things.

iii.

‘Got somebody who’s been asking after you,’ Kaidan says from the doorway, holding the travel cage behind his back. ‘At least, I think that’s what he was asking. You up on your hamster these days, Shepard?’

Shepard laughs in place, in the hospital bed. Loud enough to cover the sound of the monitors bleeping.

‘Liked him so much all this time ‘cause he reminded me of myself,’ Shepard says. ‘Round and round. Never did get tired, either.’

Kaidan sets the cage down. The hamster keeps running. He kisses the one spot on Shepard’s cheek that isn’t bandaged. Somehow, the wheel’s still turning.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-338827419 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-338827419 Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:15:54 PST Dragon Effect nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
The Arch demon doesn't stand a chance.

Ashley and Jacob aren't included because I'm not a fan of either character (basically to the point where including them would cause me to no longer enjoy the piece or process), sorry to anyone who's upset by this.

When I started this project I had it in mind to try and get it on kotaku.com and they were nice enough to feature it which is always cool.

More wonderfully written dialogue from spicyshimmy: [link]

‘They might have Darkspawn, but we have krogan.’ - The Warden-Commander

‘Does this golem have a soul?’ - Legion

‘It is small and squishy, but it is not completely unpleasant to look at.’ - EDI, regarding Joker

‘My eyes are up here, ‘tis true—and those who look elsewhere during idle conversation find they do not live as long as those who do.’ - Miranda

‘The tiles in these Deep Roads remind me of an Orlesian floor…’ - Kaidan

‘You big, stupid archdemon.’ - The Warden-Commander

‘You only wish you could suck on these fireballs.’ - Jack, also known as ‘Apostate Zero’

‘Thresherhumper!’ - Wrex

‘Anybody else up for a little naked cliff-diving?’ - James

‘Embrace eternity… Just enter the Fade, which certainly feels like it.’ - Liara

‘Had to be. Somebody else might have cast the spell wrong.’ - Mordin ]]>
The Arch demon doesn't stand a chance.

Ashley and Jacob aren't included because I'm not a fan of either character (basically to the point where including them would cause me to no longer enjoy the piece or process), sorry to anyone who's upset by this.

When I started this project I had it in mind to try and get it on kotaku.com and they were nice enough to feature it which is always cool.

More wonderfully written dialogue from spicyshimmy: [link]

‘They might have Darkspawn, but we have krogan.’ - The Warden-Commander

‘Does this golem have a soul?’ - Legion

‘It is small and squishy, but it is not completely unpleasant to look at.’ - EDI, regarding Joker

‘My eyes are up here, ‘tis true—and those who look elsewhere during idle conversation find they do not live as long as those who do.’ - Miranda

‘The tiles in these Deep Roads remind me of an Orlesian floor…’ - Kaidan

‘You big, stupid archdemon.’ - The Warden-Commander

‘You only wish you could suck on these fireballs.’ - Jack, also known as ‘Apostate Zero’

‘Thresherhumper!’ - Wrex

‘Anybody else up for a little naked cliff-diving?’ - James

‘Embrace eternity… Just enter the Fade, which certainly feels like it.’ - Liara

‘Had to be. Somebody else might have cast the spell wrong.’ - Mordin

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-effect-Joker-and-Normandy-the-high-dragon-338181347 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-effect-Joker-and-Normandy-the-high-dragon-338181347 Sat, 17 Nov 2012 04:04:57 PST Dragon effect: Joker and Normandy the high dragon nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
Joker: If Joker ever tried to ride a dragon he would probably snap in half with every twist and turn so I chose to overlook his bone condition. Originally I was thinking of having him in some non combat role but since everyone else is suited for it I wanted him to be able to participate in some way, plus he and the Normandy are kind of inseparable. So probably not my best thought out role but I’m ok with it. ]]>
Joker: If Joker ever tried to ride a dragon he would probably snap in half with every twist and turn so I chose to overlook his bone condition. Originally I was thinking of having him in some non combat role but since everyone else is suited for it I wanted him to be able to participate in some way, plus he and the Normandy are kind of inseparable. So probably not my best thought out role but I’m ok with it.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Joker-338181226 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Joker-338181226 Sat, 17 Nov 2012 04:03:21 PST Dragon Effect: Joker nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Normandy-first-draft-336619841 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Normandy-first-draft-336619841 Wed, 07 Nov 2012 17:28:57 PST Dragon Effect: Normandy first draft nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
happy N7 day everyone (November 7th) to celebrate here's the surprise character in the Dragon Effect series, she's not completely finished yet but wanted to share something for this special day. Joker the dragon rider/pilot will be along shortly along with the final cleaned up group shot of the whole crew. ]]>
happy N7 day everyone (November 7th) to celebrate here's the surprise character in the Dragon Effect series, she's not completely finished yet but wanted to share something for this special day. Joker the dragon rider/pilot will be along shortly along with the final cleaned up group shot of the whole crew.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Kasumi-Zaeed-335838696 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Kasumi-Zaeed-335838696 Sat, 03 Nov 2012 10:20:28 PDT Dragon Effect: Kasumi/Zaeed nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
Kasumi- pretty much just took her mass effect outfit and gave it a medieval makeover, she wields dual curved daggers in battle.

Zaeed- also didn’t change much aside from removing the sci-fi elements, and removed his artificial eye (at least I think it’s artificial in ME). He lost it when he he killed the former gang leader in a duel.

Only two more characters left to go, one will be Joker as I’ve already said and he’ll be paired with a surprise partner to conclude the dragon effect series. ]]>
Kasumi- pretty much just took her mass effect outfit and gave it a medieval makeover, she wields dual curved daggers in battle.

Zaeed- also didn’t change much aside from removing the sci-fi elements, and removed his artificial eye (at least I think it’s artificial in ME). He lost it when he he killed the former gang leader in a duel.

Only two more characters left to go, one will be Joker as I’ve already said and he’ll be paired with a surprise partner to conclude the dragon effect series.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Javik-and-James-335302114 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Javik-and-James-335302114 Wed, 31 Oct 2012 06:49:42 PDT Dragon Effect: Javik and James nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
Javik: I envision Javik as being one of the long lost, original founders of the Grey Wardens and through some form of sorcery (possibly Flemeth’s doing) being resurrected to join Shepard and crew against a forthcoming blight. I referenced Duncan’s armor from Dragon Age origins and sort of merged it with Javik’s own armor like I did with some of the other characters.

James: So Cortez had a funny line in ME about James liking “grizzly bears” so I thought it’d be funny to model his look after this, with bear-like claws and animal fur incorporated into the armor. The breastplate and warden insignia are existing DA materials that I referenced/borrowed. As for his backstory James was a man whore at a brothel and Javik having been newly resurrected and somewhat confused as to his surroundings happened to stumble in and began demanding information, frightening the customers. James moved to kick him out and ended up getting into a scrap with Javik, Javik of course wins but sees potential in James and invites him to join the wardens, and voila, a hilariously awkward pairing.

Here's some funny James/Javik banter that Spicyshimmy wrote up. Spicy's tumblr link: [link]

JAMES: So, Buggy. I bet you’ve got some crazy stories about the Deep Roads to tell, right?
JAVIK: At last.
JAMES: At last what?
JAVIK: You have made a bet that you can win.
JAMES: Yeah, yeah. And now we gotta check to see if the Void’s frozen over or darkspawn can fly, right?
JAVIK: Some darkspawn can fly. If you are complacent, they will descend on you from above and tear you to shreds.
JAMES: Why do I even bother talking to you?

JAMES: Hey, Buggy. You never told me ‘bout any of the good old days in the Wardens. You know, clearing out the Deep Roads, facing down broodmothers, drinking darkspawn blood, knocking golem heads together…
JAVIK: I saw countless of my brothers in arms and duty die beside me. Fine, strong warriors with bravery none have yet seen duplicated in this age. For countless years, I was buried with them, cursed to stone by the stone, carrying our most ancient secrets.
JAMES: Explains why you’re such a great conversationalist.
JAVIK: Yet I would prefer speaking to the rocks than to some.
JAMES: Hey, wait a minute…

JAMES: So, Buggy… You ever fought an archdemon before?
JAVIK: Perhaps.
JAMES: Perhaps? You either did or you didn’t, right? C’mon, you can tell me all about it.
JAVIK: One does not simply fight an archdemon. One survives an archdemon. And, in the process, one watches the brave and bold torn asunder, the battlefield stained black with their blood.
JAMES: Never thought it was gonna be a picnic.
JAVIK: Naturally, it is not.
JAVIK: Besides, you neglected to bring the basket.

JAVIK: I have been thinking.
JAMES: Yeah?
JAVIK: …’Yeah.’
JAMES: So… Copper for your thoughts, Buggy?
JAVIK: You hold these thoughts in high esteem, I see.
JAMES: It ain’t that. I’d have to be an idiot to pay any more than that for you to insult me.

JAVIK: This moniker you have assigned to me…
JAMES: Aw, you mean Buggy, huh? I was beginning to think you hadn’t noticed.
JAVIK: There is nothing that avoids my observation. For example: the way you suck at your thumb at night.
JAMES: …You been watching me at night, Buggy?
JAVIK: There is nothing—
JAMES: That avoids your observation. Yeah, yeah. I got it. You like to watch.

JAVIK: The name itself refers to me?
JAMES: You look in a mirror lately, Buggy? Those are some wild eyeballs. Wouldn’t wanna be the darkspawn that meets you in the dark.
JAVIK: Indeed not.
JAVIK: Yet I always believed the name reflected you more than it did me.
JAMES: And how’s that?
JAVIK: It is—how would your kind put it?—that you are always bugging someone.
JAMES: Had a lot of time to work on the puns when you were cursed to stone by the stone, huh?
JAVIK: More than you will ever know. ]]>
Javik: I envision Javik as being one of the long lost, original founders of the Grey Wardens and through some form of sorcery (possibly Flemeth’s doing) being resurrected to join Shepard and crew against a forthcoming blight. I referenced Duncan’s armor from Dragon Age origins and sort of merged it with Javik’s own armor like I did with some of the other characters.

James: So Cortez had a funny line in ME about James liking “grizzly bears” so I thought it’d be funny to model his look after this, with bear-like claws and animal fur incorporated into the armor. The breastplate and warden insignia are existing DA materials that I referenced/borrowed. As for his backstory James was a man whore at a brothel and Javik having been newly resurrected and somewhat confused as to his surroundings happened to stumble in and began demanding information, frightening the customers. James moved to kick him out and ended up getting into a scrap with Javik, Javik of course wins but sees potential in James and invites him to join the wardens, and voila, a hilariously awkward pairing.

Here's some funny James/Javik banter that Spicyshimmy wrote up. Spicy's tumblr link: [link]

JAMES: So, Buggy. I bet you’ve got some crazy stories about the Deep Roads to tell, right?
JAVIK: At last.
JAMES: At last what?
JAVIK: You have made a bet that you can win.
JAMES: Yeah, yeah. And now we gotta check to see if the Void’s frozen over or darkspawn can fly, right?
JAVIK: Some darkspawn can fly. If you are complacent, they will descend on you from above and tear you to shreds.
JAMES: Why do I even bother talking to you?

JAMES: Hey, Buggy. You never told me ‘bout any of the good old days in the Wardens. You know, clearing out the Deep Roads, facing down broodmothers, drinking darkspawn blood, knocking golem heads together…
JAVIK: I saw countless of my brothers in arms and duty die beside me. Fine, strong warriors with bravery none have yet seen duplicated in this age. For countless years, I was buried with them, cursed to stone by the stone, carrying our most ancient secrets.
JAMES: Explains why you’re such a great conversationalist.
JAVIK: Yet I would prefer speaking to the rocks than to some.
JAMES: Hey, wait a minute…

JAMES: So, Buggy… You ever fought an archdemon before?
JAVIK: Perhaps.
JAMES: Perhaps? You either did or you didn’t, right? C’mon, you can tell me all about it.
JAVIK: One does not simply fight an archdemon. One survives an archdemon. And, in the process, one watches the brave and bold torn asunder, the battlefield stained black with their blood.
JAMES: Never thought it was gonna be a picnic.
JAVIK: Naturally, it is not.
JAVIK: Besides, you neglected to bring the basket.

JAVIK: I have been thinking.
JAMES: Yeah?
JAVIK: …’Yeah.’
JAMES: So… Copper for your thoughts, Buggy?
JAVIK: You hold these thoughts in high esteem, I see.
JAMES: It ain’t that. I’d have to be an idiot to pay any more than that for you to insult me.

JAVIK: This moniker you have assigned to me…
JAMES: Aw, you mean Buggy, huh? I was beginning to think you hadn’t noticed.
JAVIK: There is nothing that avoids my observation. For example: the way you suck at your thumb at night.
JAMES: …You been watching me at night, Buggy?
JAVIK: There is nothing—
JAMES: That avoids your observation. Yeah, yeah. I got it. You like to watch.

JAVIK: The name itself refers to me?
JAMES: You look in a mirror lately, Buggy? Those are some wild eyeballs. Wouldn’t wanna be the darkspawn that meets you in the dark.
JAVIK: Indeed not.
JAVIK: Yet I always believed the name reflected you more than it did me.
JAMES: And how’s that?
JAVIK: It is—how would your kind put it?—that you are always bugging someone.
JAMES: Had a lot of time to work on the puns when you were cursed to stone by the stone, huh?
JAVIK: More than you will ever know.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/hillside-stronghold-334400775 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/hillside-stronghold-334400775 Fri, 26 Oct 2012 07:17:21 PDT hillside stronghold nonadult digitalart/paintings/fantasy AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Together-till-the-End-293914242 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Together-till-the-End-293914242 Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:30:29 PDT Together till the End nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
This Mass Effect theme kept me going throughout the process of painting this piece. Definitely recommend it for fans of the soundtrack.
[link]

It's funny, a lot of people hate Kaidan as a character but I was always drawn to him for being a little more normal and down to earth than a lot of the other crew, plus he was the first biotic I met (other than my Shepard) and I thought he was really cool just for that. In ME1 since he wasn't a romance option for MShep I just thought of him as being Shepard's best bud and always kept him in my squad, I think Raphael Sbarge is an incredibly talented voice actor too and gives his dialogue a lot more depth.

Then during the horizon confrontation in ME2 I really felt like there was some sort of deeper emotional connection between these two characters that I hadn't noticed before so I was overjoyed that Bioware allowed him to become an option for male Shepard in ME3, since it just sort of made sense to me that the relationship between them had evolved over the course of the series.

So after five years spent waiting for a conclusion to their story and ME3 doing such an incredible job with their developing romance arc I was pretty devastated to see Shepard die (or seemingly die) and have no sense of closure on these characters I'd been so invested in, hence why I chose to paint this piece, giving myself the chance to see them re-unting or at least sharing one final embrace. I'm not too happy with it from a technical standpoint but it is definitely the most emotion I have ever tried to instill in a painting and means more to me than any of my other work. ]]>
This Mass Effect theme kept me going throughout the process of painting this piece. Definitely recommend it for fans of the soundtrack.
[link]

It's funny, a lot of people hate Kaidan as a character but I was always drawn to him for being a little more normal and down to earth than a lot of the other crew, plus he was the first biotic I met (other than my Shepard) and I thought he was really cool just for that. In ME1 since he wasn't a romance option for MShep I just thought of him as being Shepard's best bud and always kept him in my squad, I think Raphael Sbarge is an incredibly talented voice actor too and gives his dialogue a lot more depth.

Then during the horizon confrontation in ME2 I really felt like there was some sort of deeper emotional connection between these two characters that I hadn't noticed before so I was overjoyed that Bioware allowed him to become an option for male Shepard in ME3, since it just sort of made sense to me that the relationship between them had evolved over the course of the series.

So after five years spent waiting for a conclusion to their story and ME3 doing such an incredible job with their developing romance arc I was pretty devastated to see Shepard die (or seemingly die) and have no sense of closure on these characters I'd been so invested in, hence why I chose to paint this piece, giving myself the chance to see them re-unting or at least sharing one final embrace. I'm not too happy with it from a technical standpoint but it is definitely the most emotion I have ever tried to instill in a painting and means more to me than any of my other work.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Model-Ships-357714224 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Model-Ships-357714224 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:49:56 PST Model Ships nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2013 *AndrewRyanArt And as I prepare to take these two on their final adventure with tomorrow’s DLC I just want to say thanks Bioware, from the bottom of my sappy heart. ]]> And as I prepare to take these two on their final adventure with tomorrow’s DLC I just want to say thanks Bioware, from the bottom of my sappy heart.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/spectre-class-light-armor-355034006 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/spectre-class-light-armor-355034006 Mon, 18 Feb 2013 08:27:55 PST spectre class light armor nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2013 *AndrewRyanArt Ultimately I think they ended up a bit too busy/unmemorable but oh well. Still good practice.

Also this makes me really want a spin off game post destroy with Shepard and Kaidan getting to work together as badass spectres, with a romance scene after every mission! ]]> Ultimately I think they ended up a bit too busy/unmemorable but oh well. Still good practice.

Also this makes me really want a spin off game post destroy with Shepard and Kaidan getting to work together as badass spectres, with a romance scene after every mission!

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Shore-Leave-360130618 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Shore-Leave-360130618 Sun, 17 Mar 2013 19:11:10 PDT Shore Leave adult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2013 *AndrewRyanArt “You’re the boss. Except when you’re not. And in that case... find me later."

PLACES SHEPARD AND KAIDAN WERE NAKED TOGETHER DURING A PERIOD OF 24 HOURS

Couch
Floor next to couch
Under table on floor next to couch
Pool table
Bar stool (commander’s note: would not recommend)
Hot tub
Next to hot tub
In artistic fountain (commander’s note: not like a shower at all actually)
Kitchen counter
Pool table
Against wall
Against other wall
How many walls does this place have?
Staircase
Kitchen counter
That can’t be sanitary
Floor next to kitchen counter
I think I hit my head, Kaidan
I think I—mfh
I’m sore, Kaidan.
Are you sore, Kaidan?
Yeah, I know. Wasn’t my brightest idea to challenge James Vega’s pull up record. I get it. But a man has pride.
And a man doesn’t have arms.
And a man might not mind a backrub.
Couch again.
Love that couch.

PLACES JOKER’S SITTING AND WHERE HE DOESN’T KNOW SHEPARD AND KAIDAN WERE NAKED LESS THAN 24 HOURS AGO

Couch
Should we tell him, Shepard?
Yeah. Yeah, I didn’t think so.


(writing by spicyshimmy) [link] ]]> “You’re the boss. Except when you’re not. And in that case... find me later."

PLACES SHEPARD AND KAIDAN WERE NAKED TOGETHER DURING A PERIOD OF 24 HOURS

Couch
Floor next to couch
Under table on floor next to couch
Pool table
Bar stool (commander’s note: would not recommend)
Hot tub
Next to hot tub
In artistic fountain (commander’s note: not like a shower at all actually)
Kitchen counter
Pool table
Against wall
Against other wall
How many walls does this place have?
Staircase
Kitchen counter
That can’t be sanitary
Floor next to kitchen counter
I think I hit my head, Kaidan
I think I—mfh
I’m sore, Kaidan.
Are you sore, Kaidan?
Yeah, I know. Wasn’t my brightest idea to challenge James Vega’s pull up record. I get it. But a man has pride.
And a man doesn’t have arms.
And a man might not mind a backrub.
Couch again.
Love that couch.

PLACES JOKER’S SITTING AND WHERE HE DOESN’T KNOW SHEPARD AND KAIDAN WERE NAKED LESS THAN 24 HOURS AGO

Couch
Should we tell him, Shepard?
Yeah. Yeah, I didn’t think so.


(writing by spicyshimmy) [link]

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Three-Years-Later-338983377 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Three-Years-Later-338983377 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:23:12 PST Three Years Later nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt This was inspired by Shepard's comment during the Samara mission when he asked Kaidan if he could learn to biotic float, to which Kaidan replied "Not in the next ten minutes."

Though I’m not crazy about the ending to Mass Effect 3, it at least leaves things open enough for each person to craft their own story of what happens after the war. In my mind Shepard would take a few years off from active duty to recover from his injuries and probably retire from the alliance. But being the workaholic that he is he’d eventually return to his role as a council spectre. Luckily, he’s still got Kaidan to remind him to take it easy every once in awhile.

As for Kaidan he’d continue to teach a class of biotic students as well as resume his own spectre duties. With the citadel being so close to earth he’d be able to easily serve both the alliance and council. Plus without the impending threat of a reaper invasion he’d have more time to improve his biotics and finally master that tricky biotic floating thing.

Sorry I haven’t been posting art lately, been super busy with work this month, hopefully things will slow down in January. ]]> This was inspired by Shepard's comment during the Samara mission when he asked Kaidan if he could learn to biotic float, to which Kaidan replied "Not in the next ten minutes."

Though I’m not crazy about the ending to Mass Effect 3, it at least leaves things open enough for each person to craft their own story of what happens after the war. In my mind Shepard would take a few years off from active duty to recover from his injuries and probably retire from the alliance. But being the workaholic that he is he’d eventually return to his role as a council spectre. Luckily, he’s still got Kaidan to remind him to take it easy every once in awhile.

As for Kaidan he’d continue to teach a class of biotic students as well as resume his own spectre duties. With the citadel being so close to earth he’d be able to easily serve both the alliance and council. Plus without the impending threat of a reaper invasion he’d have more time to improve his biotics and finally master that tricky biotic floating thing.

Sorry I haven’t been posting art lately, been super busy with work this month, hopefully things will slow down in January.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Snack-Time-348716160 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Snack-Time-348716160 Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:35:11 PST Snack Time nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2013 *AndrewRyanArt
(Kaidan’s smiling because he’s been there) ]]>
(Kaidan’s smiling because he’s been there)

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Kaidan-and-Shepard-commission-320323631 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Kaidan-and-Shepard-commission-320323631 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:03:14 PDT Kaidan and Shepard commission nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt [link]

This one was originally commissioned by a fellow Kaidan fan to go along with his fanfic that details out the story of what happened after the destroy ending in ME3. If you're a fan of this pairing then it's definitely worth reading.
Here's a link to his story:
[link]

Spicyshimmy on tumblr ([link]) wrote me a little story to go along with the New Years Theme, thanks shimmy.

DECEMBER 31st

December 31st, 2186CE, Shepard spent the shift of the clocks and the change to the new year in a hospital bed. He didn’t even get to blow a party horn or drink champagne or clink glasses with Chakwas, or listen to the echo of fireworks play ricochet across the rooftops, through the residential areas. People lit candles, Kaidan told him later. Or they turned on their flashlights just as the year turned, too. Little beams of light in the darkness, shining towards the local skies.

December 31st, 2187CE, Kaidan found Shepard in the restroom with his palms on either side of the sink and his head bowed toward the mirror. There hadn’t been too many fireworks, most of them privately owned and procured through pretty illegal means, more than half their number run in through Liara. But they were loud enough, bright enough, that Shepard had to excuse himself from the Alliance party. He’d put on his blues, made his appearance, delivered his toast. ‘To old acquaintances,’ he’d said, and drank without his hands shaking. Kaidan covered one of his hands, which was shaking now, on top of the marble. They had their first new year’s kiss, Kaidan’s mouth against Shepard’s pounding temple.

December 31st, 2188CE, Shepard was the guest of honor at the ball drop on the Citadel. The Presidium had never been that crowded. Krogan were chanting his name. Kaidan had on a pair of gloves—those gloves were what Shepard remembered, the way they cupped his face on three and stayed long after one. He had to be presentable for the cameras, so there wasn’t any stubble to ruin that fresh feeling.

December 31st, 2189CE, and Shepard put in appearances at the Council party, schmoozing with the other Spectres, doing what he did best—aside from kicking Reaper ass—which was not starting any intergalactic incidents. At least not after ten pm. After that he headed over to the Alliance party and listened to Hackett’s stories about the old days, followed by a brief stopover at the premiere party for Blasto: The Twenty-Third Century, where he got to shake that famous tentacle at last. It was a great night, fantastic, and Shepard didn’t realize he’d fallen asleep in the helicab back to his place on the Citadel until Kaidan was saying ‘Shepard’ into his throat, waking him up with a hand on his side. ‘I already paid the driver to go around the neighborhood a few times. Anything to get you some sleep, right?’

By December 30th, 2190CE, Shepard hadn’t RSVPed to a single invitation—and he’d stopped keeping count when the number hit twenty a few weeks ago. He shunted them into a spam filter and took a shower instead of writing up replies,then dried off while staring at the scars on his chest in the mirror—the burn ones, which had healed up just fine without any extra skin grafts.

And Shepard didn’t mind them, not now that Kaidan kissed them, or followed the patterns they made with his thumbs and knuckles on their down time.

‘Hey, Shepard,’ Kaidan said, reaching over Shepard’s shoulder for his toothbrush. ‘You know I don’t like to play messenger for Alliance business, but…’

‘Let me guess: Hackett wants to know why I haven’t put us down on the guest list for the upcoming New Year’s Allied Eve,’ Shepard replied.

‘Yeah, and he’s not the only one.’ Kaidan followed Shepard through the bedroom and into the kitchen, where the brand new fridge was stocked with snacks Shepard didn’t waste his time on naming. ‘You’re not actually planning on going to any of those parties this year, are you?’

‘Life’s short,’ Shepard replied, ‘and I never make the Blasto marathon.’

December 31st, 2190CE, Kaidan was still thinking about it. Obviously. He probably had his blues ironed and pressed and hanging in the closet as the sun went down and the Citadel turned far from dark. Lights glittered all across the Presidium and beyond, the swell of earth at close range like something Shepard couldn’t describe. It got him in the chest, under the old burn scars. When he stared at it for too long his eyes unfocused, but he also felt—and no one could know about—this great big lump sticking in his throat.

‘You’re seriously gonna pass up the private cruiser Tali’s got booked?’ Kaidan asked finally, during one of the commercials.

Thirteen episodes of Blasto: The Animated Series and counting.

”Cause I haven’t been to a party like that since I was…a whole lot younger than I am now,’ Kaidan added. Outside one of the bay windows—Shepard had bought the place for its view, also when he was a whole lot younger than he was now—they could even see one of those private parties sailing on by, music loud enough that they could almost imagine they heard it from all the way down below. ‘They can get pretty wild, Shepard.’

‘Did you get pretty wild, Kaidan?’

‘I had my moments.’ Kaidan squared his arms off across his chest, looking more and more like a TO every day. Shepard indulged in the urge to sit up straighter, fingers twitching for a salute.

Or for a beer; whichever came first.

‘Not to mention the envoy from Tuchanka’s on the Citadel, and they’re throwing one hell of a bash.’ Kaidan paused. ‘Literally, I’m guessing, knowing how Wrex likes to hit things with his head.’

‘And Kasumi rented out a museum, so I heard,’ Shepard said. ‘From the invitation, it sounds like it’s going to be the party of the century.’

‘But you’re still staying here.’

Kaidan’s eyebrows did the thing.

Shepard rubbed his chest, remembering the other thing that Kaidan’s fingers did. ‘Yeah. Guess I must be getting old.’

‘And I’m older,’ Kaidan pointed out.

Shepard tipped his chin toward the window, where the view of earth was obscured by all the buildings they’d rebuilt, all the new zoning areas that’d grown over the past five years—scaffolding only a distant memory now, along with the sound of rubble being hauled away and the beeping of heavy-duty all-terrain vehicles backing up, heading toward the processing factories. The same old lights were glowing. Not candles; not flashlights. They were winking at them, countless parties happening in practically every window, framed by the corona around the dome of earth’s pale clouds and blue oceans, cast by the hidden sun.

Then, Shepard turned back to Kaidan, neither of them shaved, the gray in Kaidan’s hair matching the gray in Shepard’s stubble. He rubbed his face, remembering two gloved hands pressed to his jaw, gloved fingertips resting over the pulse in his throat.

‘View’s better here,’ Shepard said.

They settled in by the window, Blasto recording for later, to watch the celebrations from a distance: people flooding the streets and holographic countdowns flashing on reflective building faces around the Presidium. They could hear the rumble of the final ten seconds. Nobody was chanting Shepard’s name.

‘Okay, Shepard,’ Kaidan said, fingers splayed over Shepard’s stomach.

No scars there. Shepard’s heart beat out of time. Enough shocks to the chest, and you developed that kind of arrhythmia.

‘Hey, Kaidan,’ Shepard said, turning over his shoulder, ‘how about a proper new year’s kiss this time?’

January 1st, 2191CE, Kaidan’s mouth closed over Shepard’s, holding him tight from behind. ]]> [link]

This one was originally commissioned by a fellow Kaidan fan to go along with his fanfic that details out the story of what happened after the destroy ending in ME3. If you're a fan of this pairing then it's definitely worth reading.
Here's a link to his story:
[link]

Spicyshimmy on tumblr ([link]) wrote me a little story to go along with the New Years Theme, thanks shimmy.

DECEMBER 31st

December 31st, 2186CE, Shepard spent the shift of the clocks and the change to the new year in a hospital bed. He didn’t even get to blow a party horn or drink champagne or clink glasses with Chakwas, or listen to the echo of fireworks play ricochet across the rooftops, through the residential areas. People lit candles, Kaidan told him later. Or they turned on their flashlights just as the year turned, too. Little beams of light in the darkness, shining towards the local skies.

December 31st, 2187CE, Kaidan found Shepard in the restroom with his palms on either side of the sink and his head bowed toward the mirror. There hadn’t been too many fireworks, most of them privately owned and procured through pretty illegal means, more than half their number run in through Liara. But they were loud enough, bright enough, that Shepard had to excuse himself from the Alliance party. He’d put on his blues, made his appearance, delivered his toast. ‘To old acquaintances,’ he’d said, and drank without his hands shaking. Kaidan covered one of his hands, which was shaking now, on top of the marble. They had their first new year’s kiss, Kaidan’s mouth against Shepard’s pounding temple.

December 31st, 2188CE, Shepard was the guest of honor at the ball drop on the Citadel. The Presidium had never been that crowded. Krogan were chanting his name. Kaidan had on a pair of gloves—those gloves were what Shepard remembered, the way they cupped his face on three and stayed long after one. He had to be presentable for the cameras, so there wasn’t any stubble to ruin that fresh feeling.

December 31st, 2189CE, and Shepard put in appearances at the Council party, schmoozing with the other Spectres, doing what he did best—aside from kicking Reaper ass—which was not starting any intergalactic incidents. At least not after ten pm. After that he headed over to the Alliance party and listened to Hackett’s stories about the old days, followed by a brief stopover at the premiere party for Blasto: The Twenty-Third Century, where he got to shake that famous tentacle at last. It was a great night, fantastic, and Shepard didn’t realize he’d fallen asleep in the helicab back to his place on the Citadel until Kaidan was saying ‘Shepard’ into his throat, waking him up with a hand on his side. ‘I already paid the driver to go around the neighborhood a few times. Anything to get you some sleep, right?’

By December 30th, 2190CE, Shepard hadn’t RSVPed to a single invitation—and he’d stopped keeping count when the number hit twenty a few weeks ago. He shunted them into a spam filter and took a shower instead of writing up replies,then dried off while staring at the scars on his chest in the mirror—the burn ones, which had healed up just fine without any extra skin grafts.

And Shepard didn’t mind them, not now that Kaidan kissed them, or followed the patterns they made with his thumbs and knuckles on their down time.

‘Hey, Shepard,’ Kaidan said, reaching over Shepard’s shoulder for his toothbrush. ‘You know I don’t like to play messenger for Alliance business, but…’

‘Let me guess: Hackett wants to know why I haven’t put us down on the guest list for the upcoming New Year’s Allied Eve,’ Shepard replied.

‘Yeah, and he’s not the only one.’ Kaidan followed Shepard through the bedroom and into the kitchen, where the brand new fridge was stocked with snacks Shepard didn’t waste his time on naming. ‘You’re not actually planning on going to any of those parties this year, are you?’

‘Life’s short,’ Shepard replied, ‘and I never make the Blasto marathon.’

December 31st, 2190CE, Kaidan was still thinking about it. Obviously. He probably had his blues ironed and pressed and hanging in the closet as the sun went down and the Citadel turned far from dark. Lights glittered all across the Presidium and beyond, the swell of earth at close range like something Shepard couldn’t describe. It got him in the chest, under the old burn scars. When he stared at it for too long his eyes unfocused, but he also felt—and no one could know about—this great big lump sticking in his throat.

‘You’re seriously gonna pass up the private cruiser Tali’s got booked?’ Kaidan asked finally, during one of the commercials.

Thirteen episodes of Blasto: The Animated Series and counting.

”Cause I haven’t been to a party like that since I was…a whole lot younger than I am now,’ Kaidan added. Outside one of the bay windows—Shepard had bought the place for its view, also when he was a whole lot younger than he was now—they could even see one of those private parties sailing on by, music loud enough that they could almost imagine they heard it from all the way down below. ‘They can get pretty wild, Shepard.’

‘Did you get pretty wild, Kaidan?’

‘I had my moments.’ Kaidan squared his arms off across his chest, looking more and more like a TO every day. Shepard indulged in the urge to sit up straighter, fingers twitching for a salute.

Or for a beer; whichever came first.

‘Not to mention the envoy from Tuchanka’s on the Citadel, and they’re throwing one hell of a bash.’ Kaidan paused. ‘Literally, I’m guessing, knowing how Wrex likes to hit things with his head.’

‘And Kasumi rented out a museum, so I heard,’ Shepard said. ‘From the invitation, it sounds like it’s going to be the party of the century.’

‘But you’re still staying here.’

Kaidan’s eyebrows did the thing.

Shepard rubbed his chest, remembering the other thing that Kaidan’s fingers did. ‘Yeah. Guess I must be getting old.’

‘And I’m older,’ Kaidan pointed out.

Shepard tipped his chin toward the window, where the view of earth was obscured by all the buildings they’d rebuilt, all the new zoning areas that’d grown over the past five years—scaffolding only a distant memory now, along with the sound of rubble being hauled away and the beeping of heavy-duty all-terrain vehicles backing up, heading toward the processing factories. The same old lights were glowing. Not candles; not flashlights. They were winking at them, countless parties happening in practically every window, framed by the corona around the dome of earth’s pale clouds and blue oceans, cast by the hidden sun.

Then, Shepard turned back to Kaidan, neither of them shaved, the gray in Kaidan’s hair matching the gray in Shepard’s stubble. He rubbed his face, remembering two gloved hands pressed to his jaw, gloved fingertips resting over the pulse in his throat.

‘View’s better here,’ Shepard said.

They settled in by the window, Blasto recording for later, to watch the celebrations from a distance: people flooding the streets and holographic countdowns flashing on reflective building faces around the Presidium. They could hear the rumble of the final ten seconds. Nobody was chanting Shepard’s name.

‘Okay, Shepard,’ Kaidan said, fingers splayed over Shepard’s stomach.

No scars there. Shepard’s heart beat out of time. Enough shocks to the chest, and you developed that kind of arrhythmia.

‘Hey, Kaidan,’ Shepard said, turning over his shoulder, ‘how about a proper new year’s kiss this time?’

January 1st, 2191CE, Kaidan’s mouth closed over Shepard’s, holding him tight from behind.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-effect-EDI-Legion-333733926 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-effect-EDI-Legion-333733926 Mon, 22 Oct 2012 04:51:26 PDT Dragon effect: EDI/Legion nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
EDI: Like Tali she’d be an expert on darkspawn given her long years spent in the deep roads and her combat abilites would be similar to Shale’s in DA with an arsenal of different offensive crystal abilities. Also if you thought Joker had it rough before now he’s screwed

Legion: Fiercely loyal to EDI and somewhat overprotective, Legion wields a specially built in crossbow that he arms with crystals pried from his body.

characters left: Javik, James, Kasumi, Zaeed, and maybe Joker. Then I’m finally finished! ]]>
EDI: Like Tali she’d be an expert on darkspawn given her long years spent in the deep roads and her combat abilites would be similar to Shale’s in DA with an arsenal of different offensive crystal abilities. Also if you thought Joker had it rough before now he’s screwed

Legion: Fiercely loyal to EDI and somewhat overprotective, Legion wields a specially built in crossbow that he arms with crystals pried from his body.

characters left: Javik, James, Kasumi, Zaeed, and maybe Joker. Then I’m finally finished!

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Liara-and-Samara-332830226 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Liara-and-Samara-332830226 Wed, 17 Oct 2012 03:01:14 PDT Dragon Effect: Liara and Samara nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
I liked the dynamic between Orsino and Meredith in Dragon Age 2 with the two characters trying to fulfill they’re respective roles yet always digging at one another (esp on Meredith’s part) so I thought it would be fun to place Liara and Samara in their positions, plus asari catfights are always fun.

Samara- Since she’s so adherent to her justicar code in Mass Effect I thought seeing her as a knight commander sworn to uphold the templar code was fitting. Morinth could also come into play as the apostate daughter that Samara would spend her time hunting (when she’s not busy with official duties).

Liara- As first enchanter Liara would do her best to quell the fear and stigma associated with mages and would aid Shepard by doing what she could to cover up the fact that he’s harboring three apostates in his crew (Kaidan/Jack/Miranda) from Samara. Maybe by inventing fake phylacteries or something else more clever/plausible.

Not sure who will be next, maybe EDI/Legion or Javik/James ]]>
I liked the dynamic between Orsino and Meredith in Dragon Age 2 with the two characters trying to fulfill they’re respective roles yet always digging at one another (esp on Meredith’s part) so I thought it would be fun to place Liara and Samara in their positions, plus asari catfights are always fun.

Samara- Since she’s so adherent to her justicar code in Mass Effect I thought seeing her as a knight commander sworn to uphold the templar code was fitting. Morinth could also come into play as the apostate daughter that Samara would spend her time hunting (when she’s not busy with official duties).

Liara- As first enchanter Liara would do her best to quell the fear and stigma associated with mages and would aid Shepard by doing what she could to cover up the fact that he’s harboring three apostates in his crew (Kaidan/Jack/Miranda) from Samara. Maybe by inventing fake phylacteries or something else more clever/plausible.

Not sure who will be next, maybe EDI/Legion or Javik/James

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-progress-shot-329484424 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-progress-shot-329484424 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:20:24 PDT Dragon Effect - progress shot nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
Also I'm sorry to inform everyone that Ashley Williams and Jacob Taylor were killed by darkspawn and will be not be making an appearance in my Dragon Effect lineup.

wow nearly 200,000 views in one day, reddit is one powerhouse of a website so thanks to whoever put it up there. ]]>
Also I'm sorry to inform everyone that Ashley Williams and Jacob Taylor were killed by darkspawn and will be not be making an appearance in my Dragon Effect lineup.

wow nearly 200,000 views in one day, reddit is one powerhouse of a website so thanks to whoever put it up there.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Process-330442658 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Process-330442658 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 22:53:49 PDT Process nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
Sometimes I don't see certain mistakes until later stages, like realizing Mordin's hips were very feminine looking in the initial linework, which is why I like this process because once I block in the flat colors I get a rough idea of the silhouette and can make adjustments before proceeding to the laborious rendering stage. ]]>
Sometimes I don't see certain mistakes until later stages, like realizing Mordin's hips were very feminine looking in the initial linework, which is why I like this process because once I block in the flat colors I get a rough idea of the silhouette and can make adjustments before proceeding to the laborious rendering stage.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Mordin-and-Tali-330439202 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Mordin-and-Tali-330439202 Tue, 02 Oct 2012 22:07:32 PDT Dragon Effect: Mordin and Tali nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
Shepard would run into these two while they’re on an expedition in the deep roads (as to what they’re searching for/studying I’m not exactly sure but you can be sure it’s important work).

Mordin- he carries ancient deep roads maps with him to help navigate the expansive undrground tunnels and wields a variety of potent explosive mixtures to ward off darkspawn hordes.

Tali- Tali would be sort of an expert on Darkspawn behavior patterns/fighting abilities and therefore is accompanying Mordin on his mission and does most of the close range fighting with her dual-hooked swords. Also I've never really been crazy about Tali like some people, even found her a little annoying at times but I gotta say I had more fun painting her than any other character so far.

Next up will be either Liara and Javik or Liara and Samara since I’m envisioning asari as being involved with the chantry but not so much for Javik.

EDIT: Also I've seen a few people cirticizing me for not making Tali ranged, I definitely toyed with the idea but since I just did Garrus and Thane as a crossbow/archer I wanted to switch it up and I'm quite happy with the idea of seeing her dual wield swords in combat, but hey this is all just for fun anyway so don't take it so seriously. The aspect of Tali that I did try to carry over which is not evident in her design is that she'd be an expert on darkspawn, like how in ME she knows a lot about the geth. ]]>
Shepard would run into these two while they’re on an expedition in the deep roads (as to what they’re searching for/studying I’m not exactly sure but you can be sure it’s important work).

Mordin- he carries ancient deep roads maps with him to help navigate the expansive undrground tunnels and wields a variety of potent explosive mixtures to ward off darkspawn hordes.

Tali- Tali would be sort of an expert on Darkspawn behavior patterns/fighting abilities and therefore is accompanying Mordin on his mission and does most of the close range fighting with her dual-hooked swords. Also I've never really been crazy about Tali like some people, even found her a little annoying at times but I gotta say I had more fun painting her than any other character so far.

Next up will be either Liara and Javik or Liara and Samara since I’m envisioning asari as being involved with the chantry but not so much for Javik.

EDIT: Also I've seen a few people cirticizing me for not making Tali ranged, I definitely toyed with the idea but since I just did Garrus and Thane as a crossbow/archer I wanted to switch it up and I'm quite happy with the idea of seeing her dual wield swords in combat, but hey this is all just for fun anyway so don't take it so seriously. The aspect of Tali that I did try to carry over which is not evident in her design is that she'd be an expert on darkspawn, like how in ME she knows a lot about the geth.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Garrus-and-Thane-329484882 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Garrus-and-Thane-329484882 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:23:14 PDT Dragon Effect: Garrus and Thane nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
The storyline I’m thinking for Garrus is that turians are a regularly integrated part of society and as with Mass Effect where they make up the bulk of C-sec they often fulfill the role of town guards and in Garrus’ case he’s risen to become a captain of a wealthy trading town, hence his somewhat ostentatious get-up. He’d be a melee/ranged fighter.

For Thane I’d see him as belonging to a small almost forgotten order with the purpose of finding and eliminating wild dragons or wyrms. That’s why he’s wearing a light dragon scale outfit and the glowing stone set into his chestpiece is a gem that embues him with added marksmanship powers.

Next up was going to be Tali/Liara but I really want to do Mordin so I think I’m gonna give him a shot, not sure who will be paired with him yet, might just have it be Tali anyway since I’m sure she’d be a popular choice . I’ll pair Liara with Javik when I get around to it. ]]>
The storyline I’m thinking for Garrus is that turians are a regularly integrated part of society and as with Mass Effect where they make up the bulk of C-sec they often fulfill the role of town guards and in Garrus’ case he’s risen to become a captain of a wealthy trading town, hence his somewhat ostentatious get-up. He’d be a melee/ranged fighter.

For Thane I’d see him as belonging to a small almost forgotten order with the purpose of finding and eliminating wild dragons or wyrms. That’s why he’s wearing a light dragon scale outfit and the glowing stone set into his chestpiece is a gem that embues him with added marksmanship powers.

Next up was going to be Tali/Liara but I really want to do Mordin so I think I’m gonna give him a shot, not sure who will be paired with him yet, might just have it be Tali anyway since I’m sure she’d be a popular choice . I’ll pair Liara with Javik when I get around to it.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Shep-Kaidan-323006409 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Shep-Kaidan-323006409 Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:44:01 PDT Dragon Effect Shep/Kaidan nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt Next up is Jack and Miranda, Jack is going to be soooo much fun. (She’s going to be a blood mage) ]]> Next up is Jack and Miranda, Jack is going to be soooo much fun. (She’s going to be a blood mage)

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Miranda-and-Jack-325824275 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Miranda-and-Jack-325824275 Fri, 07 Sep 2012 06:28:25 PDT Dragon Effect Miranda and Jack nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
For Miranda I basically took Morrigan’s look and tweaked it a bit, used her hexagon pattern from mass effect and incorporated it into the new look and added cerberus insignia. I'm imagining cerberus as a kind of rogue apostate organization that Miranda would be involved with.

And Jack’s just a crazy ass elven blood mage. Wasn’t really referencing any particular character for her so kinda just made her mass effect outfit more mage-like. Also I didn’t distort her face like the elves in Dragon Age 2 because I preferred the way they looked in dragon age origins ( I thought Zevran looked terrible with the wide eyes in DA2). ]]>
For Miranda I basically took Morrigan’s look and tweaked it a bit, used her hexagon pattern from mass effect and incorporated it into the new look and added cerberus insignia. I'm imagining cerberus as a kind of rogue apostate organization that Miranda would be involved with.

And Jack’s just a crazy ass elven blood mage. Wasn’t really referencing any particular character for her so kinda just made her mass effect outfit more mage-like. Also I didn’t distort her face like the elves in Dragon Age 2 because I preferred the way they looked in dragon age origins ( I thought Zevran looked terrible with the wide eyes in DA2).

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Grunt-and-Wrex-327235520 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dragon-Effect-Grunt-and-Wrex-327235520 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:58:17 PDT Dragon Effect- Grunt and Wrex nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
Imagining the Krogan as sort of a subsidiary race to the Qunari. Lesser in number and therefore mostly serving as hired mercs instead of having an actual system of government.

Grunt- referenced Sebastian Vael’s armor a bit for Grunt’s look, wanted him to come across as more of a good natured young Krogan who is trying to distance himself from the violent nature of his race. Maybe Shepard would run into him while he’s out on a soul searching pilgrimage or something.

Wrex- By contrast I wanted Wrex to look like he’s totally embracing his badass nature and I’m imaging him as leader of a wondering band of pillaging Krogan mercs before deciding to aid Shepard. (maybe a renegade Shep gets Wrex while a paragon gets Grunt).

and yes I realized I sort of switched their personalities from ME but it just sort of felt right to me for some reason.

Next up will either be Garrus and Thane or Tali and Liara, haven’t decided yet. ]]>
Imagining the Krogan as sort of a subsidiary race to the Qunari. Lesser in number and therefore mostly serving as hired mercs instead of having an actual system of government.

Grunt- referenced Sebastian Vael’s armor a bit for Grunt’s look, wanted him to come across as more of a good natured young Krogan who is trying to distance himself from the violent nature of his race. Maybe Shepard would run into him while he’s out on a soul searching pilgrimage or something.

Wrex- By contrast I wanted Wrex to look like he’s totally embracing his badass nature and I’m imaging him as leader of a wondering band of pillaging Krogan mercs before deciding to aid Shepard. (maybe a renegade Shep gets Wrex while a paragon gets Grunt).

and yes I realized I sort of switched their personalities from ME but it just sort of felt right to me for some reason.

Next up will either be Garrus and Thane or Tali and Liara, haven’t decided yet.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dune-Leto-II-the-tyrant-328098474 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Dune-Leto-II-the-tyrant-328098474 Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:50:20 PDT Dune - Leto II, the tyrant nonadult digitalart/paintings/scifi AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Leto-II-WIP-327726380 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Leto-II-WIP-327726380 Mon, 17 Sep 2012 08:13:25 PDT Leto II WIP nonadult fanart/digital/painting/books AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Hidden-Shrine-327505270 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Hidden-Shrine-327505270 Sun, 16 Sep 2012 05:41:10 PDT Hidden Shrine nonadult digitalart/paintings/fantasy AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Showdown-325998311 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Showdown-325998311 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 04:52:29 PDT Showdown nonadult digitalart/paintings/fantasy AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Kaidan-Alenko-307058469 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Kaidan-Alenko-307058469 Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:23:26 PDT Kaidan Alenko nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
This was a nice break from doing the reaper designs, though I'm headed right back into those with more hybrids! Elcor and Volus mash up coming next. ]]>
This was a nice break from doing the reaper designs, though I'm headed right back into those with more hybrids! Elcor and Volus mash up coming next.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Giedi-Prime-house-harkonnen-322444476 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Giedi-Prime-house-harkonnen-322444476 Mon, 20 Aug 2012 21:15:36 PDT Giedi Prime house harkonnen nonadult digitalart/paintings/scifi AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt I drew inspiration from the planet Illium in ME and Coruscant in Star Wars (which are basically the same thing anyway). ]]> I drew inspiration from the planet Illium in ME and Coruscant in Star Wars (which are basically the same thing anyway).

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Garrus-and-Tali-s-Rannoch-getaway-316238860 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Garrus-and-Tali-s-Rannoch-getaway-316238860 Sun, 22 Jul 2012 03:09:17 PDT Garrus and Tali's Rannoch getaway nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Castle-Caladan-314579939 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Castle-Caladan-314579939 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 22:44:17 PDT Castle Caladan nonadult digitalart/paintings/fantasy AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/A-Future-for-the-Krogan-310110623 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/A-Future-for-the-Krogan-310110623 Fri, 22 Jun 2012 22:45:26 PDT A Future for the Krogan nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
Link to the Tuchunka music that inspired me to do this piece: [link] thanks to the user who found it for me. That music plays on the curing genophage mission when Shepard emerges from the tunnels to see green on Tuchunka for the first time. It was a powerful moment from the last game that stayed with me.

So in this alternate future, some time after the ending to ME3, the Krogan are gifted cloned Kakliosaurs by the salarians as a gesture of goodwill and a parade is held on Tuchunka to celebrate the curing of the genophage and a move towards more peaceful relations between the salarians/turians and Krogan.
Wrex is holding his kid named after Mordin while the salarian scientist who cloned the kakliosaurs walks alongside. Grunt leads to the left with some members of Aralakh company and Eve is of course in the center because females are now running the show and keeping peace.

For anyone who doesn't remember what kakliosaurs are they were an animal species on Tuchunka that went extinct and there is a side quest on the citadel to give a kakliosaur skull to a salarian scientist for possible cloning/research purposes. There are also paintings of Krogan riding them in the underground tunnels, which is what I referenced when drawing them. ]]>
Link to the Tuchunka music that inspired me to do this piece: [link] thanks to the user who found it for me. That music plays on the curing genophage mission when Shepard emerges from the tunnels to see green on Tuchunka for the first time. It was a powerful moment from the last game that stayed with me.

So in this alternate future, some time after the ending to ME3, the Krogan are gifted cloned Kakliosaurs by the salarians as a gesture of goodwill and a parade is held on Tuchunka to celebrate the curing of the genophage and a move towards more peaceful relations between the salarians/turians and Krogan.
Wrex is holding his kid named after Mordin while the salarian scientist who cloned the kakliosaurs walks alongside. Grunt leads to the left with some members of Aralakh company and Eve is of course in the center because females are now running the show and keeping peace.

For anyone who doesn't remember what kakliosaurs are they were an animal species on Tuchunka that went extinct and there is a side quest on the citadel to give a kakliosaur skull to a salarian scientist for possible cloning/research purposes. There are also paintings of Krogan riding them in the underground tunnels, which is what I referenced when drawing them.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/A-Future-for-the-Krogan-Sketch-309140319 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/A-Future-for-the-Krogan-Sketch-309140319 Mon, 18 Jun 2012 10:17:39 PDT A Future for the Krogan Sketch nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt EDIT* here's the uplifting bit of music I mentioned titled "Hope" [link] thanks to the user who found it for me.
Also I will fix the darn baby krogan headplates, stop pestering me about it lol


Some time after the ending to ME3, the Krogan are gifted cloned Kakliosaurs by the salarians as a gesture of goodwill and a parade is held on Tuchunka to celebrate the curing of the genophage and a move towards more peaceful relations between the salarians/turians and Krogan.
Wrex is holding his kid named after Mordin while the salarian scientist who cloned the kakliosaurs walks alongside Primarch Victus. Grunt leads to the left with some members of Aralakh company and Eve is of course in the center because females are now running the show.

For anyone who doesn't remember what kakliosaurs are they were an animal species on Tuchunka that went extinct and there is a side quest on the citadel to give a kakliosaur skull to a salarian scientist for possible cloning/research purposes. There are also paintings of Krogan riding them in the underground tunnels, which is what I referenced when drawing them. ]]> EDIT* here's the uplifting bit of music I mentioned titled "Hope" [link] thanks to the user who found it for me.
Also I will fix the darn baby krogan headplates, stop pestering me about it lol


Some time after the ending to ME3, the Krogan are gifted cloned Kakliosaurs by the salarians as a gesture of goodwill and a parade is held on Tuchunka to celebrate the curing of the genophage and a move towards more peaceful relations between the salarians/turians and Krogan.
Wrex is holding his kid named after Mordin while the salarian scientist who cloned the kakliosaurs walks alongside Primarch Victus. Grunt leads to the left with some members of Aralakh company and Eve is of course in the center because females are now running the show.

For anyone who doesn't remember what kakliosaurs are they were an animal species on Tuchunka that went extinct and there is a side quest on the citadel to give a kakliosaur skull to a salarian scientist for possible cloning/research purposes. There are also paintings of Krogan riding them in the underground tunnels, which is what I referenced when drawing them.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/dragon-falls-speedpaint-313944400 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/dragon-falls-speedpaint-313944400 Tue, 10 Jul 2012 21:28:42 PDT dragon falls speedpaint nonadult digitalart/paintings/fantasy AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Mass-Effect-3-Old-Soldiers-313049138 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Mass-Effect-3-Old-Soldiers-313049138 Fri, 06 Jul 2012 17:08:04 PDT Mass Effect 3 Old Soldiers nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt [link]
I view this as my personal conclusion to Mass Effect 3 and the Shepard/Kaidan storyline since we weren't shown what happened after the breathing scene and I felt like Shepard deserved more than a torso shot if it really was the end to his story. Went with the destroy ending obviously.


I tried to write a short story of how I imagined this ending playing out. It didn't go so well haha. But I've never been much of a writer anyway. I'll stick to painting from now on.


Citadel:

Shepard lay dying beneath the rubble of the citadel. His synthetics overheating, his biotic implant pulsing out of control. He knew he didn't have much time left and had no delusions of being found or rescued, after all no one had even seen this part of the citadel until he and Anderson had been brought here a mere half hour beforehand. "I'm sorry Kaidan, looks like I wont be waiting for you when this is over after all," he uttered in the quiet darkness. Though as much as it pained him to think of breaking his promise to Kaidan Shepard felt a certain sense of peace. He'd finished what he set out to accomplish all along, the reapers were destroyed, never again would they pose a threat to the galaxy. He'd been offered alternatives by the catalyst but Shepard knew better than to trust an uncompromising construct responsible for the deaths of unfathomable innocents across aeons of time; both synthesis and control allowed a free pass to the reapers and Shepard couldn't risk them ever getting out of hand again. The decision to destroy them had been the obvious choice.

This victory was not without it's sacrifices though, as Shepard felt his own cybernetic implants giving out he realized that across the galaxy the GETH as well as EDI were also facing their final moments of existence. The catalyst hadn't lied when it warned him the Crucible would be indiscriminate. Shepard had never been much of a spiritual person but he believed that if there was such a thing as a soul, synthetics were just as worthy of having one as he or anyone else had been. "Legion, EDI, I'll see you both on the other side," Shepard thought to himself as his senses dimmed.

It was nearly time, Shepard could feel it now as his breaths quickened and fresh currents of blood spilled from his wounds. He took these last moments to look back on his life, his troubled youth spent running with street gangs on earth, leaving for a chance at something better with the Alliance as a young man, surviving Akuze, stopping Sovereign and the Collectors. Recalling these defining moments gave Shepard comfort as his world began to fade away but the memories that his mind settled on the most were those of Kaidan Alenko. Thinking back to the time spent getting to know one another on the Normandy SR1 and how close they'd become as friends. The disappointment he'd felt on Horizon at having lost Kaidan's trust coupled with the joy he'd felt at getting a chance to rebuild that trust and camaraderie. The sanity checks, their first date on the citadel, their first kiss, the passionate nights spent in Shepard's cabin. Finally telling Kaidan he'd always love him no matter what happened... all of these moments flooded Shepard's mind, smiling he closed his eyes and let the darkness take him.

Normandy:

Kaidan's eyes slowly opened, he wasn't well rested and his headaches would only get worse if he didn't get a real nights sleep sooner or later but he forced himself up for the sake of appearances; a week had passed since they'd crash landed and he knew morale was low. It was Kaidan's duty along with the other senior crew to inspire confidence. The Normandy was in bad shape and it would take an optimistic and determined team to bring her back to being space-worthy; there would be time to mourn the lost someday but for now Kaidan would have to be strong, he couldn't give in to his emotions, not yet in any case. Still he was in no great rush to leave Shepard's cabin, it was the one place on the ship that still contained the man's essence, so much so that just being there gave Kaidan hope that Shepard might somehow waltz in at any second, Kaidan realized this was probably hurting him more than helping him but he wasn't ready to give up sleeping here yet, it had become "their" room and sleeping anywhere else would mean accepting that the man he had loved was really gone. The room was dark and difficult to navigate without the ambient glow of fish tanks to light the way, it was a real shame that they had all died in the crash landing Kaidan thought to himself. Shepard had loved those fish and prided himself with collecting all sorts of exotic species from across the galaxy, almost as much pride as he'd had in his model ship collection, many of which were miraculously still in decent shape, though it seemed fitting that the Sovereign model lie shattered on the floor - it had always kind of creeped Kaidan out anway. Rubbing his eyes to try and adjust to the dim light Kaidan stumbled over to a nearby storage locker and retrieved his clothes. Checking to make sure the hamster had food he took a last look across the room and proceeded to the elevator shaft to make the morning briefing.

As Kaidan climbed down the ladder to reach the crew quarters he heard raised voices, it sounded like there was some sort of argument happening in the life support room. "EDI had every right to survive, just as much as me or you!" He recognized the voice as Joker while another heavily accented voice replied:
"That is not so, a machine is just a machine, no matter how attractive or helpful it is manufactured to be, human, you should be reveling in your victory, your emotional attachment to this platform is misguided," Obviously Javik was exhbiting his usual tendency of offering uncensored and probably unsolicited criticism. Kaidan knew this could get ugly fast so he decided to intervene, despite the fact that this really wasn't going to help his growing headache.

"That's enough Javik, surely even the protheans understood the need to mourn," Kaidan said as he entered through the battered doorway. Joker was sitting next to EDI's motionless body sprawled out across the table, since she'd gone offline a week earlier Joker had been trying everything he could to bring her back, but his efforts had proved futile, even Tali had considered her to be beyond repair, this hadn't stopped him from keeping a sort of vigil at her side, tinkering with her charred hardware every few hours, hoping for a miracle. Javik was leaning against the far wall, arms crossed and wearing his usual apathetic expression.
"Indeed we did, but only when it was warranted. Tears would never have been shed over the death of a synthetic in my cycle. It is a foolish notion. Your commander understood this, he died knowing this and the sooner you both accept it the better off we will all be" and with that the Prothean paced towards the exit.
Kaidan moved to the spot Javik had been occupying and leaning against the wall he observed Joker as the man diligently removed a section of plating from EDI's forearm. Kaidan had always felt a bit of mixed emotion towards having to interact with a body that'd nearly killed him on Mars but in the short time he had known her he'd grown to become quite fond of the AI and her quirky personality. She'd also proven to be invaluable in helping him track down his biotic students on earth.
"He's wrong ya know," Kaidan said to Joker, "Shepard would never have willingly done what he did unless there was no other option... EDI meant a lot to him."
Joker paused from his work and leaned back in the chair, his weary eyes raising to meet Kaidan's. "You think I don't know that? It doesn't change the fact that Shepard killed her. I know he did what he had to do but I'm still pissed off about it...dammit... she meant everything to me. Shepard knew that and he killed her anyway."
The truth was Kaidan had been avoiding Joker ever since it all went down for this very reason. Shepard HAD killed EDI, however noble the cause had been that was simply the reality of the situation. Kaidan shifted uneasily, searching for something to say "I know Joker, you didn't deserve to lose her so soon, and well....I'm sorry." He didn't have the proper words and felt himself somehow feeling guilty so he began to leave when Joker intervened.
"Kaidan wait... I'm being unfair, I know how much Shepard meant to you and I just wanted to say... "I'm sorry too."
"What do you have to be sorry for?" Kaidan asked.
"Back on the SR1, when the collectors hit....it's my fault Shepard died, it's because of me that you had to deal with losing him all those years, I never apologized to you for that and I want you to know that I've always felt terrible about it."
Kaidan took a moment to process what was said, "I appreciate that Joker, really I do. We weren't together back then though, not like you and EDI anyway."
"Maybe not" Joker replied, but it was pretty damn obvious you two loved each other, even if you were the only ones who didn't realize it.
Again Kaidan reflected on what was said, recalling the days when he and Shepard had just been good friends, knowing that there was something deeper between them but being too afraid to say or do anything about it, letting out a sigh he looked again to Joker "Yeah... I guess we did...I just never thought I'd lose him so soon. Maybe if I'd been honest with him sooner...told him how I really felt...maybe we'd of had more time together, heck I don't really know.
Joker smirked at this, "Ya know I'm pretty sure Shepard felt the same way about it. When I asked him what he thought about me and EDI he told me to live each day like it was my last, even if it meant I'd look like a fool, I'd say it's a safe bet he'd had a couple regrets of his own concerning you Kaidan."
Joker looked back to EDI
"Look I guess what I'm trying to say here is well...me and EDI...we might not have ever even happened if it hadn't been for Shepard learning from his regrets with you. I want you to know that no matter what I say, whatever stupid joke or snide comment I make in the heat of the moment... you and me...we're good and I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to."
"Thanks Joker, I really do appreciate that, and I'm extending the same offer to you. I'll send Tali over after the briefings over, maybe there's something she missed when going over EDI yesterday."
"Heh, Tali misses nothing Kaidan, but thanks. See ya around."

The briefing had been a short one, it had consisted mainly of going over plans for rationing food and outlining systems tests that would need to be carried out later in the day. Liara had also been rather optimistic about her ability to get the comm systems in her room functional again. "That's great Liara, let me know as soon as you've got them up and running," Kaidan said. The whole crew had been eager for any news of what had happened to the rest of the galaxy, aside from observing massive explosions on the citadel and the geth fleet shutting down alongside the reapers they were still largely in the dark as to just what had happened. "Alright people let's get to it." Kaidan set off to begin his own work on the ships navigation systems when he suddenly felt a sharp pain at the back of his skull, a jolt that reverberated across his entire upper body making it hard to focus, brushing his hand across his upper lip and bringing it in front of his face Kaidan focused on the familiar sight of blood stained finger tips. Nose bleeds were nothing new to the major but he needed a moment to regain his balance, leaning against a nearby wall for support Kaidan checked his pockets for something to wipe away the blood with.
"You ok Alenko?" Garrus asked, handing Kaidan a rag from the nearby counter. Kaidan took it and nodded appreciatively.
"I'm fine Garrus, it's nothing I haven't dealt with before."
"You sure? Chakwas would be delighted to have someone to look after, I'm beginning to think she was a little dissapointed there weren't more serious injuries sustained during that crazy landing we pulled off."
"I'm sure Garrus... it's just that I haven't been sleeping well and that's never a good thing for my headaches. Maybe when we're off this planet I'll get a few good nights rest."
Garrus gave what seemed a disbelieving look, though it was always hard to tell with turians.
"Maybe you will, but we both know that the thing keeping you from sleeping at night is still going to be there even after we've made it off this world, why don't you and I have a little chat. Just five minutes and then I'll let you get back to work." The turian started off towards the main battery area, Kaidan hesistated before reluctantly following along, he knew better than to argue with Garrus.
"Have a seat," Garrus said pulling over a nearby weapons crate. As Kaidan sat down his head continued to throb, maybe it was good he spend a few minutes off his feet he thought to himself, though he knew what Garrus was getting at and he wasn't looking forward to discussing it. He'd already had to bring up losing Shepard with Joker and wasn't sure he wanted another reminder.
"Look Kaidan, I know you're doing everything you can to appear strong for the crew but the fact is you haven't really talked about this with anyone since we got here, you've got to face it sooner or later. I know you better than anyone here and I can't imagine how this must be affecting you."
Kaidan looked to the floor, not wanting to admit that everything Garrus was saying and was going to say was the truth, it had always been more his style to keep his thoughts to himself, deal with issues on his own terms.
"I don't deny that you're right Garrus, but you know we have a responsibility to the crew, we can't let them see us lose hope... If Shepard were here..."
Garrus cut him off "If Shepard were here and saw you like this he'd drop whatever he was doing and make sure you were ok. He always kept an especially watchful eye on you and he'd never forgive me if I just stood by and didn't say something. Talk to me Kaidan, right now you're fighting a battle with yourself and unless you let an ally or two in to help there's no way you'll make it out alive.
The turians words fell on him like well aimed thannix missiles, tearing away at the defenses he'd placed to keep others from seeing just how vulnerable he'd really been. Kaidan felt his eyes getting misty, turning away he tried to hide what he knew was coming. Garrus took a seat next to him and raised an arm, resting his heavy claw on the man's shoulder, a somewhat awkward gesture though Kaidan appreciated the effort. Raising his arms to his knees Kaidan buried his face into his hands and began to cry, no longer able to hold back the swelling tears
Wiping his eyes Kaidan looked up to the ceiling, trying to find something to focus on and finding nothing, giving in he turned to Garrus and took a deep breath...
"He really loved me Garrus, he told me that the last time I saw him and then he was just...gone...forever, I wanted more time..didn't we deserve that?
His sadness turning to anger,
Fucking military protocol and this stupid war always getting in the way."
The turian sat silently next to Kaidan, gently rubbing the man's shoulder and giving him a few minutes to weep and vent his frustrations.
"And all those months I spent doubting him! Accusing him of being a cerberus puppet... What an idiot I'd been, how could I have done that to him Garrus?" What the hell was I thinking?"
At that comment Garrus broke his silence to speak "Kaidan that's all in the past, you had your reasons and what matters is that you were there for him in the end. Besides, you're forgetting that in those last moments you also finally managed to tell Shepard you loved him too. Think about how happy he must have been to hear you say that, no matter how the situation played out down there he died knowing you believed in him. Don't discount the effect something like that can have on a person."
Still feeling devastated but ultimately grateful for the chance to finally vent Kaidan slowly raised to his feet, still wiping away fresh tears.
"Thanks Garrus, I just...I can't let go, and don't think I'll ever be able to."
"Believe me, I understand what you're going through." Garrus said, "I doubt I'll ever really get over his death either, he was like a brother to me. "
Kaidan composed himself and turning to Garrus managed a smile "Yeah, you two were really something , no Shepard without Vakarian ey Garrus?"
Garrus stood up and flashed his best attempt at a smile to mirror Kaidan's, "damn straight."
"Look I've been thinking, maybe we can put together some kind of memorial service, something to honor his memory, I don't know if it'll help us any but it's worth a shot and who knows how long it'll be before we're out of this place and able to give him a proper one. What do you think?"
Kaidan took a moment to ponder this suggestion, he wasn't ready to say goodbye but Shepard's sacrifice needed to be honored.
"Yeah, I'd like that Garrus." "and well...I just want to say thanks a lot. If you hadn't made me do this well.... let's just say you were right, I needed to talk about it."
Garrus gave the major a quick pat on the back and headed for the exit, "Don't mention it Alenko, besides if you weren't being your usual stubborn self then I'd of really been worried," For the first time since losing Shepard, Kaidan managed to laugh.

It was decided that the following evening would be spent as an opportunity to mourn and reflect on the lives of those who'd been lost. Nearly everyone had gathered at the memorial wall for the night's tribute. As Kaidan stood alongside his friends he looked down at the metal plate he'd spent the afternoon engraving with the words Commander Shepard." Looking up at the wall before him Kaidan glanced over the names of others who'd paid the ultimate price for the war effort. Mordin Solus, Thane Krios, Ashley Williams, and in a matter of minutes he'd be placing Shepard's name alongside them, though for now another hero would be getting his moment of recognition.
Chakwas stepped out from the crowd first, walking to the memorial she fastened Admiral Anderson's nameplate to the center aisle, a place of respect befitting the man's rank and history as the first captain of the Normandy. Stepping back to observe the memorial in it's entirety Chakwas offered a few words:
"To David, a man whom I was honored to have served with over the years and proud to have called my friend, your sacrifice will never be forgotten." She raised a salute to the memory of Anderson, inspiring the others to do the same, a moment of silence followed as crew members bowed their heads, remembering the man who'd been like a father to many of them.
As Chakwas moved away from the memorial Joker limped forward to take her place. Slowly approaching the wall it became obvious to Kaidan that this was going to be just as hard for Joker as it would be for himself. As he reached the base of the monument Joker looked up at the spot reserved for EDI's name and then back down to the plate, he began to shake uncontrollably when suddenly Liara appeared at his side, lending a helping grip to steady Joker's now trembling hands.
"You don't have to do this now Joker, there's no shame if you're not ready." The Asari said in a soothing tone. Taking a moment to collect himself Joker took a deep breath and sighed.
" No, it needs to be done, and I have to be the one to do it, it's what she would have wanted,"... he closed his eyes and stood quietly for a few moments, upon opening them he looked to the vacant spot on the wall and whispered to himself "For you EDI." Joker raised both arms to the wall, fastening EDI's name alongside the others. "Wherever you are out there, know that I'm with you." It was as serious as Kaidan had ever seen the man. A minute of silence passed, broken only by the occasional interruption of someone crying, in fact there had hardly been a dry eye in the whole room.

As Liara helped Joker back to the assembled crowd Kaidan felt a knot growing in his stomach. Despite having his friends there he'd never felt so alone; even with their help it was clear this was going to be even more difficult than he'd anticipated. Slowly he began to walk towards the center of the memorial wall and upon reaching it he looked down at the plate in his hands, "Commander Shepard" he read as he lightly brushed his hand over the smooth metal surface. As Kaidan stood there the hesitation grew, he would have attributed it to not wanting to let go but this was something else... he needed a moment to think but he also didn't want to appear selfish in front of the crew, after all Joker had just had to say goodbye, it wouldn't be right for him to not go through with his own obligation.
"You can do this Kaidan," he thought to himself, beginning to raise his arms when suddenly an unseen force froze him in place, not so much physical as it was a mental block, it nevertheless kept him from proceeding any further, as he stood there motionless a familiar entity occupied the space around him. Immediately Kaidan recognized the presence as Shepard, the feeling was faint but unmistakably there.
It was something Kaidan had noticed in the past when sticking behind on the Normandy during missions, a certain change in the air's chemistry that alerted him to Shepard's return, even before they were in the same room. He'd always just thought it was his imagination but this was something he hadn't felt since losing Shepard a little over a week ago and the feeling was growing in intensity. Kaidan stood there paralyzed with indecision, not knowing what to do. A few more moments passed before he allowed himself to think it for the first time. "Shepard...are you... still out there?" Feeling the others staring at him like this was making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He knew these were his friends but how could he explain to them what was happening? He didn't want to appear in denial but with each passing second the inexplicable belief that Shepard was somehow still alive grew within him.

Suddenly a junior comm officer came running out of Liara's room, her face brimming with excitement.
"Comm channels are back online and we've made contact!" ..."They're saying he's alive, Shepard is alive!"
The words washed over Kaidan, dispelling any last vestiges of doubt he'd been holding onto. Dropping the name-plate Kaidan fell to his knees, tears of relief streaming down his face as exuberant shouts of joy echoed from every direction.
Garrus walked over to the man's side and extended an arm to help. Grabbing hold Kaidan pulled himself up and tried to stretch his arms around his friend, too happy to care about how incredibly funny it looked hugging bulky turian armor,
"I knew he was alive Garrus, I don't know how but something changed just now, I felt him here, still with us. Leave it to Shepard to cheat death twice I guess.
Garrus looked Kaidan in the eye and said "Yeah well I'm beginning to think Shepard gets a real kick out of making us all worry like this, remind me to kick his ass if he tries for a third time. ]]> [link]
I view this as my personal conclusion to Mass Effect 3 and the Shepard/Kaidan storyline since we weren't shown what happened after the breathing scene and I felt like Shepard deserved more than a torso shot if it really was the end to his story. Went with the destroy ending obviously.


I tried to write a short story of how I imagined this ending playing out. It didn't go so well haha. But I've never been much of a writer anyway. I'll stick to painting from now on.


Citadel:

Shepard lay dying beneath the rubble of the citadel. His synthetics overheating, his biotic implant pulsing out of control. He knew he didn't have much time left and had no delusions of being found or rescued, after all no one had even seen this part of the citadel until he and Anderson had been brought here a mere half hour beforehand. "I'm sorry Kaidan, looks like I wont be waiting for you when this is over after all," he uttered in the quiet darkness. Though as much as it pained him to think of breaking his promise to Kaidan Shepard felt a certain sense of peace. He'd finished what he set out to accomplish all along, the reapers were destroyed, never again would they pose a threat to the galaxy. He'd been offered alternatives by the catalyst but Shepard knew better than to trust an uncompromising construct responsible for the deaths of unfathomable innocents across aeons of time; both synthesis and control allowed a free pass to the reapers and Shepard couldn't risk them ever getting out of hand again. The decision to destroy them had been the obvious choice.

This victory was not without it's sacrifices though, as Shepard felt his own cybernetic implants giving out he realized that across the galaxy the GETH as well as EDI were also facing their final moments of existence. The catalyst hadn't lied when it warned him the Crucible would be indiscriminate. Shepard had never been much of a spiritual person but he believed that if there was such a thing as a soul, synthetics were just as worthy of having one as he or anyone else had been. "Legion, EDI, I'll see you both on the other side," Shepard thought to himself as his senses dimmed.

It was nearly time, Shepard could feel it now as his breaths quickened and fresh currents of blood spilled from his wounds. He took these last moments to look back on his life, his troubled youth spent running with street gangs on earth, leaving for a chance at something better with the Alliance as a young man, surviving Akuze, stopping Sovereign and the Collectors. Recalling these defining moments gave Shepard comfort as his world began to fade away but the memories that his mind settled on the most were those of Kaidan Alenko. Thinking back to the time spent getting to know one another on the Normandy SR1 and how close they'd become as friends. The disappointment he'd felt on Horizon at having lost Kaidan's trust coupled with the joy he'd felt at getting a chance to rebuild that trust and camaraderie. The sanity checks, their first date on the citadel, their first kiss, the passionate nights spent in Shepard's cabin. Finally telling Kaidan he'd always love him no matter what happened... all of these moments flooded Shepard's mind, smiling he closed his eyes and let the darkness take him.

Normandy:

Kaidan's eyes slowly opened, he wasn't well rested and his headaches would only get worse if he didn't get a real nights sleep sooner or later but he forced himself up for the sake of appearances; a week had passed since they'd crash landed and he knew morale was low. It was Kaidan's duty along with the other senior crew to inspire confidence. The Normandy was in bad shape and it would take an optimistic and determined team to bring her back to being space-worthy; there would be time to mourn the lost someday but for now Kaidan would have to be strong, he couldn't give in to his emotions, not yet in any case. Still he was in no great rush to leave Shepard's cabin, it was the one place on the ship that still contained the man's essence, so much so that just being there gave Kaidan hope that Shepard might somehow waltz in at any second, Kaidan realized this was probably hurting him more than helping him but he wasn't ready to give up sleeping here yet, it had become "their" room and sleeping anywhere else would mean accepting that the man he had loved was really gone. The room was dark and difficult to navigate without the ambient glow of fish tanks to light the way, it was a real shame that they had all died in the crash landing Kaidan thought to himself. Shepard had loved those fish and prided himself with collecting all sorts of exotic species from across the galaxy, almost as much pride as he'd had in his model ship collection, many of which were miraculously still in decent shape, though it seemed fitting that the Sovereign model lie shattered on the floor - it had always kind of creeped Kaidan out anway. Rubbing his eyes to try and adjust to the dim light Kaidan stumbled over to a nearby storage locker and retrieved his clothes. Checking to make sure the hamster had food he took a last look across the room and proceeded to the elevator shaft to make the morning briefing.

As Kaidan climbed down the ladder to reach the crew quarters he heard raised voices, it sounded like there was some sort of argument happening in the life support room. "EDI had every right to survive, just as much as me or you!" He recognized the voice as Joker while another heavily accented voice replied:
"That is not so, a machine is just a machine, no matter how attractive or helpful it is manufactured to be, human, you should be reveling in your victory, your emotional attachment to this platform is misguided," Obviously Javik was exhbiting his usual tendency of offering uncensored and probably unsolicited criticism. Kaidan knew this could get ugly fast so he decided to intervene, despite the fact that this really wasn't going to help his growing headache.

"That's enough Javik, surely even the protheans understood the need to mourn," Kaidan said as he entered through the battered doorway. Joker was sitting next to EDI's motionless body sprawled out across the table, since she'd gone offline a week earlier Joker had been trying everything he could to bring her back, but his efforts had proved futile, even Tali had considered her to be beyond repair, this hadn't stopped him from keeping a sort of vigil at her side, tinkering with her charred hardware every few hours, hoping for a miracle. Javik was leaning against the far wall, arms crossed and wearing his usual apathetic expression.
"Indeed we did, but only when it was warranted. Tears would never have been shed over the death of a synthetic in my cycle. It is a foolish notion. Your commander understood this, he died knowing this and the sooner you both accept it the better off we will all be" and with that the Prothean paced towards the exit.
Kaidan moved to the spot Javik had been occupying and leaning against the wall he observed Joker as the man diligently removed a section of plating from EDI's forearm. Kaidan had always felt a bit of mixed emotion towards having to interact with a body that'd nearly killed him on Mars but in the short time he had known her he'd grown to become quite fond of the AI and her quirky personality. She'd also proven to be invaluable in helping him track down his biotic students on earth.
"He's wrong ya know," Kaidan said to Joker, "Shepard would never have willingly done what he did unless there was no other option... EDI meant a lot to him."
Joker paused from his work and leaned back in the chair, his weary eyes raising to meet Kaidan's. "You think I don't know that? It doesn't change the fact that Shepard killed her. I know he did what he had to do but I'm still pissed off about it...dammit... she meant everything to me. Shepard knew that and he killed her anyway."
The truth was Kaidan had been avoiding Joker ever since it all went down for this very reason. Shepard HAD killed EDI, however noble the cause had been that was simply the reality of the situation. Kaidan shifted uneasily, searching for something to say "I know Joker, you didn't deserve to lose her so soon, and well....I'm sorry." He didn't have the proper words and felt himself somehow feeling guilty so he began to leave when Joker intervened.
"Kaidan wait... I'm being unfair, I know how much Shepard meant to you and I just wanted to say... "I'm sorry too."
"What do you have to be sorry for?" Kaidan asked.
"Back on the SR1, when the collectors hit....it's my fault Shepard died, it's because of me that you had to deal with losing him all those years, I never apologized to you for that and I want you to know that I've always felt terrible about it."
Kaidan took a moment to process what was said, "I appreciate that Joker, really I do. We weren't together back then though, not like you and EDI anyway."
"Maybe not" Joker replied, but it was pretty damn obvious you two loved each other, even if you were the only ones who didn't realize it.
Again Kaidan reflected on what was said, recalling the days when he and Shepard had just been good friends, knowing that there was something deeper between them but being too afraid to say or do anything about it, letting out a sigh he looked again to Joker "Yeah... I guess we did...I just never thought I'd lose him so soon. Maybe if I'd been honest with him sooner...told him how I really felt...maybe we'd of had more time together, heck I don't really know.
Joker smirked at this, "Ya know I'm pretty sure Shepard felt the same way about it. When I asked him what he thought about me and EDI he told me to live each day like it was my last, even if it meant I'd look like a fool, I'd say it's a safe bet he'd had a couple regrets of his own concerning you Kaidan."
Joker looked back to EDI
"Look I guess what I'm trying to say here is well...me and EDI...we might not have ever even happened if it hadn't been for Shepard learning from his regrets with you. I want you to know that no matter what I say, whatever stupid joke or snide comment I make in the heat of the moment... you and me...we're good and I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to."
"Thanks Joker, I really do appreciate that, and I'm extending the same offer to you. I'll send Tali over after the briefings over, maybe there's something she missed when going over EDI yesterday."
"Heh, Tali misses nothing Kaidan, but thanks. See ya around."

The briefing had been a short one, it had consisted mainly of going over plans for rationing food and outlining systems tests that would need to be carried out later in the day. Liara had also been rather optimistic about her ability to get the comm systems in her room functional again. "That's great Liara, let me know as soon as you've got them up and running," Kaidan said. The whole crew had been eager for any news of what had happened to the rest of the galaxy, aside from observing massive explosions on the citadel and the geth fleet shutting down alongside the reapers they were still largely in the dark as to just what had happened. "Alright people let's get to it." Kaidan set off to begin his own work on the ships navigation systems when he suddenly felt a sharp pain at the back of his skull, a jolt that reverberated across his entire upper body making it hard to focus, brushing his hand across his upper lip and bringing it in front of his face Kaidan focused on the familiar sight of blood stained finger tips. Nose bleeds were nothing new to the major but he needed a moment to regain his balance, leaning against a nearby wall for support Kaidan checked his pockets for something to wipe away the blood with.
"You ok Alenko?" Garrus asked, handing Kaidan a rag from the nearby counter. Kaidan took it and nodded appreciatively.
"I'm fine Garrus, it's nothing I haven't dealt with before."
"You sure? Chakwas would be delighted to have someone to look after, I'm beginning to think she was a little dissapointed there weren't more serious injuries sustained during that crazy landing we pulled off."
"I'm sure Garrus... it's just that I haven't been sleeping well and that's never a good thing for my headaches. Maybe when we're off this planet I'll get a few good nights rest."
Garrus gave what seemed a disbelieving look, though it was always hard to tell with turians.
"Maybe you will, but we both know that the thing keeping you from sleeping at night is still going to be there even after we've made it off this world, why don't you and I have a little chat. Just five minutes and then I'll let you get back to work." The turian started off towards the main battery area, Kaidan hesistated before reluctantly following along, he knew better than to argue with Garrus.
"Have a seat," Garrus said pulling over a nearby weapons crate. As Kaidan sat down his head continued to throb, maybe it was good he spend a few minutes off his feet he thought to himself, though he knew what Garrus was getting at and he wasn't looking forward to discussing it. He'd already had to bring up losing Shepard with Joker and wasn't sure he wanted another reminder.
"Look Kaidan, I know you're doing everything you can to appear strong for the crew but the fact is you haven't really talked about this with anyone since we got here, you've got to face it sooner or later. I know you better than anyone here and I can't imagine how this must be affecting you."
Kaidan looked to the floor, not wanting to admit that everything Garrus was saying and was going to say was the truth, it had always been more his style to keep his thoughts to himself, deal with issues on his own terms.
"I don't deny that you're right Garrus, but you know we have a responsibility to the crew, we can't let them see us lose hope... If Shepard were here..."
Garrus cut him off "If Shepard were here and saw you like this he'd drop whatever he was doing and make sure you were ok. He always kept an especially watchful eye on you and he'd never forgive me if I just stood by and didn't say something. Talk to me Kaidan, right now you're fighting a battle with yourself and unless you let an ally or two in to help there's no way you'll make it out alive.
The turians words fell on him like well aimed thannix missiles, tearing away at the defenses he'd placed to keep others from seeing just how vulnerable he'd really been. Kaidan felt his eyes getting misty, turning away he tried to hide what he knew was coming. Garrus took a seat next to him and raised an arm, resting his heavy claw on the man's shoulder, a somewhat awkward gesture though Kaidan appreciated the effort. Raising his arms to his knees Kaidan buried his face into his hands and began to cry, no longer able to hold back the swelling tears
Wiping his eyes Kaidan looked up to the ceiling, trying to find something to focus on and finding nothing, giving in he turned to Garrus and took a deep breath...
"He really loved me Garrus, he told me that the last time I saw him and then he was just...gone...forever, I wanted more time..didn't we deserve that?
His sadness turning to anger,
Fucking military protocol and this stupid war always getting in the way."
The turian sat silently next to Kaidan, gently rubbing the man's shoulder and giving him a few minutes to weep and vent his frustrations.
"And all those months I spent doubting him! Accusing him of being a cerberus puppet... What an idiot I'd been, how could I have done that to him Garrus?" What the hell was I thinking?"
At that comment Garrus broke his silence to speak "Kaidan that's all in the past, you had your reasons and what matters is that you were there for him in the end. Besides, you're forgetting that in those last moments you also finally managed to tell Shepard you loved him too. Think about how happy he must have been to hear you say that, no matter how the situation played out down there he died knowing you believed in him. Don't discount the effect something like that can have on a person."
Still feeling devastated but ultimately grateful for the chance to finally vent Kaidan slowly raised to his feet, still wiping away fresh tears.
"Thanks Garrus, I just...I can't let go, and don't think I'll ever be able to."
"Believe me, I understand what you're going through." Garrus said, "I doubt I'll ever really get over his death either, he was like a brother to me. "
Kaidan composed himself and turning to Garrus managed a smile "Yeah, you two were really something , no Shepard without Vakarian ey Garrus?"
Garrus stood up and flashed his best attempt at a smile to mirror Kaidan's, "damn straight."
"Look I've been thinking, maybe we can put together some kind of memorial service, something to honor his memory, I don't know if it'll help us any but it's worth a shot and who knows how long it'll be before we're out of this place and able to give him a proper one. What do you think?"
Kaidan took a moment to ponder this suggestion, he wasn't ready to say goodbye but Shepard's sacrifice needed to be honored.
"Yeah, I'd like that Garrus." "and well...I just want to say thanks a lot. If you hadn't made me do this well.... let's just say you were right, I needed to talk about it."
Garrus gave the major a quick pat on the back and headed for the exit, "Don't mention it Alenko, besides if you weren't being your usual stubborn self then I'd of really been worried," For the first time since losing Shepard, Kaidan managed to laugh.

It was decided that the following evening would be spent as an opportunity to mourn and reflect on the lives of those who'd been lost. Nearly everyone had gathered at the memorial wall for the night's tribute. As Kaidan stood alongside his friends he looked down at the metal plate he'd spent the afternoon engraving with the words Commander Shepard." Looking up at the wall before him Kaidan glanced over the names of others who'd paid the ultimate price for the war effort. Mordin Solus, Thane Krios, Ashley Williams, and in a matter of minutes he'd be placing Shepard's name alongside them, though for now another hero would be getting his moment of recognition.
Chakwas stepped out from the crowd first, walking to the memorial she fastened Admiral Anderson's nameplate to the center aisle, a place of respect befitting the man's rank and history as the first captain of the Normandy. Stepping back to observe the memorial in it's entirety Chakwas offered a few words:
"To David, a man whom I was honored to have served with over the years and proud to have called my friend, your sacrifice will never be forgotten." She raised a salute to the memory of Anderson, inspiring the others to do the same, a moment of silence followed as crew members bowed their heads, remembering the man who'd been like a father to many of them.
As Chakwas moved away from the memorial Joker limped forward to take her place. Slowly approaching the wall it became obvious to Kaidan that this was going to be just as hard for Joker as it would be for himself. As he reached the base of the monument Joker looked up at the spot reserved for EDI's name and then back down to the plate, he began to shake uncontrollably when suddenly Liara appeared at his side, lending a helping grip to steady Joker's now trembling hands.
"You don't have to do this now Joker, there's no shame if you're not ready." The Asari said in a soothing tone. Taking a moment to collect himself Joker took a deep breath and sighed.
" No, it needs to be done, and I have to be the one to do it, it's what she would have wanted,"... he closed his eyes and stood quietly for a few moments, upon opening them he looked to the vacant spot on the wall and whispered to himself "For you EDI." Joker raised both arms to the wall, fastening EDI's name alongside the others. "Wherever you are out there, know that I'm with you." It was as serious as Kaidan had ever seen the man. A minute of silence passed, broken only by the occasional interruption of someone crying, in fact there had hardly been a dry eye in the whole room.

As Liara helped Joker back to the assembled crowd Kaidan felt a knot growing in his stomach. Despite having his friends there he'd never felt so alone; even with their help it was clear this was going to be even more difficult than he'd anticipated. Slowly he began to walk towards the center of the memorial wall and upon reaching it he looked down at the plate in his hands, "Commander Shepard" he read as he lightly brushed his hand over the smooth metal surface. As Kaidan stood there the hesitation grew, he would have attributed it to not wanting to let go but this was something else... he needed a moment to think but he also didn't want to appear selfish in front of the crew, after all Joker had just had to say goodbye, it wouldn't be right for him to not go through with his own obligation.
"You can do this Kaidan," he thought to himself, beginning to raise his arms when suddenly an unseen force froze him in place, not so much physical as it was a mental block, it nevertheless kept him from proceeding any further, as he stood there motionless a familiar entity occupied the space around him. Immediately Kaidan recognized the presence as Shepard, the feeling was faint but unmistakably there.
It was something Kaidan had noticed in the past when sticking behind on the Normandy during missions, a certain change in the air's chemistry that alerted him to Shepard's return, even before they were in the same room. He'd always just thought it was his imagination but this was something he hadn't felt since losing Shepard a little over a week ago and the feeling was growing in intensity. Kaidan stood there paralyzed with indecision, not knowing what to do. A few more moments passed before he allowed himself to think it for the first time. "Shepard...are you... still out there?" Feeling the others staring at him like this was making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He knew these were his friends but how could he explain to them what was happening? He didn't want to appear in denial but with each passing second the inexplicable belief that Shepard was somehow still alive grew within him.

Suddenly a junior comm officer came running out of Liara's room, her face brimming with excitement.
"Comm channels are back online and we've made contact!" ..."They're saying he's alive, Shepard is alive!"
The words washed over Kaidan, dispelling any last vestiges of doubt he'd been holding onto. Dropping the name-plate Kaidan fell to his knees, tears of relief streaming down his face as exuberant shouts of joy echoed from every direction.
Garrus walked over to the man's side and extended an arm to help. Grabbing hold Kaidan pulled himself up and tried to stretch his arms around his friend, too happy to care about how incredibly funny it looked hugging bulky turian armor,
"I knew he was alive Garrus, I don't know how but something changed just now, I felt him here, still with us. Leave it to Shepard to cheat death twice I guess.
Garrus looked Kaidan in the eye and said "Yeah well I'm beginning to think Shepard gets a real kick out of making us all worry like this, remind me to kick his ass if he tries for a third time.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Meeting-Raphael-Sbarge-Kaidan-Alenko-voice-actor-309337315 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Meeting-Raphael-Sbarge-Kaidan-Alenko-voice-actor-309337315 Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:16:50 PDT Meeting Raphael Sbarge (Kaidan Alenko voice actor) nonadult photography/people/other AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt Raphael is the voice of Kaidan Alenko in Mass Effect, Carth Onasi in KOTR, and Jiminy Cricket on ABC's tv show Once Upon a time. ]]> Raphael is the voice of Kaidan Alenko in Mass Effect, Carth Onasi in KOTR, and Jiminy Cricket on ABC's tv show Once Upon a time.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/speedpaints-309334690 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/speedpaints-309334690 Tue, 19 Jun 2012 07:58:51 PDT speedpaints nonadult digitalart/paintings/scifi AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Post-Leviathan-Shepard-s-Cabin-sketch-324356026 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Post-Leviathan-Shepard-s-Cabin-sketch-324356026 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:13:00 PDT Post Leviathan, Shepard's Cabin sketch nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
Post Leviathan, Shepard’s cabin

Kaidan and Shepard climbed into bed, both exhausted from the days trials. They hadn’t said much to one another since returning from the mission, having been incredibly busy all afternoon informing the galaxy that they’d actually discovered and enlisted the aid of the very beings responsible for creating reapers. A new development in the war that finally offered some hope of possible victory and the first bit of good news to come their way in weeks.

Shepard pulled the covers up and turned to Kaidan, noticing a look of concern on the major’s face.

“Uh oh, I’m in trouble aren’t I?” Shepard said, following with a sly smirk as he met Kaidan’s focused gaze.

“That was reckless Shepard, you really had me worried there. Watching you climb into that Mech and slip beneath the waves, not knowing if you’d come back up…I meant it when I said never do that again.”

“Heh, told you I’d be fine Kaidan. Besides remember Virmire when you wanted to blow yourself up with that nuke? Oh and let’s not forget Mars when I came so close to losing you that I nearly had a heart attack.”

Shepard smiled, pulling Kaidan closer. Determined to keep the mood lighthearted and besides teasing Kaidan was just too much fun.

“Ok point taken, but Shepard you seem to have forgotten that I actually DID lose you already and I’m not letting it happen again.” letting out a sigh Kaidan looked at Shepard with pleading eyes, “So please, in the future try and avoid running headfirst into life-threatening situations by yourself.”

Kaidan’s expression turned from serious to relaxed. “At least if I’m with you I can save your ass if things get choppy.”

Shepard laughed,

“I’m sorry, didn’t mean to make you worry, promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“Oh really?” Kaidan asked, forming a seductive grin. “Well you can start right now.”

Taking his cue Shepard leaned in and kissed Kaidan slow and passionately, a tender moment that reminded each of them just how lucky they were to have one another. Tired as they were this was one night that neither of them would be taking for granted. ]]>
Post Leviathan, Shepard’s cabin

Kaidan and Shepard climbed into bed, both exhausted from the days trials. They hadn’t said much to one another since returning from the mission, having been incredibly busy all afternoon informing the galaxy that they’d actually discovered and enlisted the aid of the very beings responsible for creating reapers. A new development in the war that finally offered some hope of possible victory and the first bit of good news to come their way in weeks.

Shepard pulled the covers up and turned to Kaidan, noticing a look of concern on the major’s face.

“Uh oh, I’m in trouble aren’t I?” Shepard said, following with a sly smirk as he met Kaidan’s focused gaze.

“That was reckless Shepard, you really had me worried there. Watching you climb into that Mech and slip beneath the waves, not knowing if you’d come back up…I meant it when I said never do that again.”

“Heh, told you I’d be fine Kaidan. Besides remember Virmire when you wanted to blow yourself up with that nuke? Oh and let’s not forget Mars when I came so close to losing you that I nearly had a heart attack.”

Shepard smiled, pulling Kaidan closer. Determined to keep the mood lighthearted and besides teasing Kaidan was just too much fun.

“Ok point taken, but Shepard you seem to have forgotten that I actually DID lose you already and I’m not letting it happen again.” letting out a sigh Kaidan looked at Shepard with pleading eyes, “So please, in the future try and avoid running headfirst into life-threatening situations by yourself.”

Kaidan’s expression turned from serious to relaxed. “At least if I’m with you I can save your ass if things get choppy.”

Shepard laughed,

“I’m sorry, didn’t mean to make you worry, promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“Oh really?” Kaidan asked, forming a seductive grin. “Well you can start right now.”

Taking his cue Shepard leaned in and kissed Kaidan slow and passionately, a tender moment that reminded each of them just how lucky they were to have one another. Tired as they were this was one night that neither of them would be taking for granted.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Illusive-Shep-308108324 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Illusive-Shep-308108324 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 06:11:04 PDT Illusive Shep nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Drell-Hanar-hyrbrid-307839443 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Drell-Hanar-hyrbrid-307839443 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:02:50 PDT Reaper Drell/Hanar hyrbrid nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Elcor-Volus-Unit-307453453 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Elcor-Volus-Unit-307453453 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 23:13:31 PDT Reaper Elcor/Volus Unit nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Elcor-Volus-sketch-307396441 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Elcor-Volus-sketch-307396441 Sat, 09 Jun 2012 16:52:56 PDT Reaper Elcor/Volus sketch nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Hybrid-Asari-Salarian-306469156 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Hybrid-Asari-Salarian-306469156 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 02:12:14 PDT Reaper Hybrid Asari/Salarian adult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Asari-Salarian-reaper-hybrid-sketch-306273142 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Asari-Salarian-reaper-hybrid-sketch-306273142 Mon, 04 Jun 2012 03:20:14 PDT Asari/Salarian reaper hybrid sketch nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Pyjak-305841020 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Pyjak-305841020 Sat, 02 Jun 2012 01:55:07 PDT Reaper Pyjak nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Pyjak-sketch-305780742 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Pyjak-sketch-305780742 Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:08:37 PDT Reaper Pyjak sketch nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Varren-305572786 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Varren-305572786 Thu, 31 May 2012 16:52:18 PDT Reaper Varren nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Varren-sketch-305437796 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Varren-sketch-305437796 Wed, 30 May 2012 23:50:42 PDT Reaper Varren sketch nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaperized-Kalros-Thresher-Maw-304628158 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaperized-Kalros-Thresher-Maw-304628158 Sun, 27 May 2012 02:27:51 PDT Reaperized Kalros (Thresher Maw) nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Vorcha-304344937 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Vorcha-304344937 Fri, 25 May 2012 16:12:56 PDT Reaper Vorcha nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-vorcha-sketch-304215678 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-vorcha-sketch-304215678 Thu, 24 May 2012 22:42:46 PDT Reaper vorcha sketch nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Yahg-304029971 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Yahg-304029971 Wed, 23 May 2012 22:45:27 PDT Reaper Yahg nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt
I thought it was weird that the Reapers bypassed the Yahg in the game since the other races had already considered them for uplifting so they must have been further along than the evolutionary process than humans were the last time the reapers came around. Seems like bypassing the yahg would have given them ample time to become a viable threat during the next cycle, maybe moreso than the protheans even, given the extreme intellect and strength displayed by the shadow broker. My reaper Yahg has his arms converted into thannix cannons, he'd probably be introduced as a means to combat the Krogan forces on Palaven. ]]>
I thought it was weird that the Reapers bypassed the Yahg in the game since the other races had already considered them for uplifting so they must have been further along than the evolutionary process than humans were the last time the reapers came around. Seems like bypassing the yahg would have given them ample time to become a viable threat during the next cycle, maybe moreso than the protheans even, given the extreme intellect and strength displayed by the shadow broker. My reaper Yahg has his arms converted into thannix cannons, he'd probably be introduced as a means to combat the Krogan forces on Palaven.

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Yahg-line-work-303912439 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Yahg-line-work-303912439 Wed, 23 May 2012 10:53:27 PDT Reaper Yahg line work nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]> http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Quarian-303540030 http://andrewryanart.deviantart.com/art/Reaper-Quarian-303540030 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:02:06 PDT Reaper Quarian nonadult fanart/digital/painting/games AndrewRyanArt http://a.deviantart.net/avatars/a/n/andrewryanart.jpg?2 Copyright 2012-2013 *AndrewRyanArt

]]>